Family Time | {Special Memories}

Yesterday morning I woke to grey skies and rain…and after looking at the forecast showing rain most of the day…I must say that I was nervous. Later that morning I had a session scheduled with a family and it had to be done that day…dad is in the Army and has been on leave, but heads out again in a few days…so I knew that one way or another…this had to happen! Driving to Tacoma it rained, rained some more and then rained even harder…ugh…I wondered how many covered places could we find?? Upon meeting up with the Lizotte family…the rain was diminishing and amazingly, after just a short time…it stopped!! Phew…and thank you!!!! It was chilly, but they were all great sports and it was fun to wander around and let them explore a bit as I captured some special photos for them. Hailey, who I’ve photographed before, is very sweet, but I must say, she’s an active little one…one shot and she was off and running – which certainly kept me on my toes…and helped me stay warm…so thank you, Hailey!  It was refreshing to see the family together, even if just for a short time…I can’t even imagine how the military families do this…being separated for so long and a parent back at home, being both mom and dad while the other is serving our country…my gratitude goes out to the families and their spouses who are serving overseas! It was evident that Hailey enjoyed having her dad around…and he was great with her and the two of them seemed to have a lot of fun as we wandered around this cold morning! I’m so grateful we were able to schedule this and especially that the rain stopped so we could shoot outside…it was my pleasure to spend some time with this delightful family…and I wish the very best for them for the holidays…even if they won’t be together…hopefully, they can hold on to the memories of their times together!

Time together is what’s important and this family is making the most of the time they have right now…that’s certainly something to be treasured!

Hailey never turned down a chance to dance and twirl…and in her darling dress…she was as pretty as could be!

I love this photo of Hailey with her dad…it shows that they are both happy to be together and enjoy having a good time!

This beautiful little face was created out of love…and as you can see, she is loved and they all love one another…what is more special than that!?!

Thank you, Matt, Tara and Hailey for a fun session…despite the weather, all worked out and it was my pleasure to capture some family photos of you while Matt is home…be safe Matt…and thank you for your service to our country…and to Tara and Hailey for allowing him to do so!

Spike and Molly’s 50th Anniversary {Idaho Event Photography}

My apologies to all, life has been a bit crazy lately and I’m behind on my blog posts…please know that I haven’t forgotten you, if you are waiting for one, I promise to get to them and eventually get caught up!

So…here’s a past due post, from a wonderful celebration last month for two very special people. Spike and Molly Lynch asked if I would photograph their 50th anniversary at Priest Lake, Idaho (actually, a small lake right by Priest, called Chase Lake). This was held at a beautiful facility, Sundance Mt. Lodge, which was a perfect location for such a celebration. There are some wonderful views and a quaint little lake that was so beautiful and as you can imagine, we enjoyed taking some time to photograph around the grounds and lake. This lovely couple has been special friends of my family for as long as I can remember and to be able to share in such a wonderful time of their lives was an honor. The evening was very relaxed which began with a cocktail hour and some appetizers and then a delicious meal, followed with an amazing slideshow made up of photos from their 50 years together…they are truly a blessed couple…with wonderful family and such special friends who gathered that evening to share in the celebration.

Spike and Molly, with their daughters and family…which is what a celebration like this is all about…sharing with those you love!

A wonderful buffet served by the staff of Sundance Mt. Lodge…highly recommended!!

Family and friends shared stories and memories of times with Spike and Molly…what fun to hear all the great times everyone had shared with this great couple!

Those who know and love Spike and Molly know that you always have a great time and laughing is part of any time with them!

And, yes…I was fast enough to capture this kiss…so great to see the love after 50 years together…CONGRATULATIONS!!

Guests were asked to put together a scrapbook page with memories over the years…it was a fun surprise and treat for Spike and Molly!

I LOVE this photo, from the slideshow…dogs were a part of their family most of their years together…and you can see this little guy was well loved!

Spike and Molly with their daughters and their “adopted” daughters who grew up across the street from them…and opened their home and shared in their lives.

This is their youngest granddaughter who did not realize I was taking photos of her…as she “bellied up to the bar” at the end of the evening…isn’t she a cutie!!

 Many of the guests stayed at the lodge that night and were able to enjoy a wonderful breakfast the next morning, prepared by owner, Tony Wallace.

This is the side of the lodge you see when you arrive…look at the beautiful skies and great secluded setting!

Some of the many photos I took during my time there!

View from the lake…with an amazing view from the deck(s)…and some of the rooms have a lake view as well!

If you are every in the North Idaho area and looking for somewhere quiet and beautiful to stay…check out – Sundance Mt. Lodge…whether it be summer or winter (snowmobilers!!)…it’s definitely worth checking out!

Granny Visits and Amelia turns 2 {Puyallup Family Photographer}

For nearly 5 years now, we’ve had some wonderful neighbors and I’ve had the pleasure of doing their family photos for nearly that long. When they first arrived, it was just Greg and Leah…and Max…their dog and now they have grown to a family of five with the addition of Luke and Amelia. What a delight it has been to watch ALL of them grow and to see what a great family they are! Luke is the oldest, he’ll be four this fall and Amelia just turned two a week ago…wow, hard to believe they are no longer babies and becoming little people. The past couple of weeks they’ve had Leah’s mom (Granny…aka, Lois) visiting and I know she’s really enjoyed her time there and especially with the grandchildren…it’s always special when you get time with your grandchildren!! So, this past week we had a session with Granny, Luke and Amelia…and made it a twofold session…photos with all of them, a few of Luke…can’t leave out big brother…and Amelia’s second year pictures…what a fun afternoon we had!

 

Such special times…they all grow up so fast, so you have to treasure these moments while you can!

Luke sure loves his Granny…as you can see!

Amelia and Granny definitely have a strong bond and you can certainly see they are related…so very sweet!

Just a year ago, Luke wasn’t very fond of having his picture taken…this time he was great and I just love this photo…but he looks too grown up….slow down!

Doesn’t Amelia have the most beautiful hair…look at those blond curls…and then those eyes and smile…such a beautiful little girl! She’s been so much fun to watch blossom the past year!

It was quite funny during my time with Amelia…she would occasionally tell me…”other one” meaning she wanted me to change cameras and use the other camera/lens…so I would and she’d be happy and then later on would say it again…too funny, and very definite about what she wanted!

I still love little ones feet and toes…and these weren’t any exception…and the grass on the bottom just made them that much cuter!

And, we couldn’t get away without including Leah in a couple of photos…it’s been a great visit for all of them and it definitely needed a special photo to document this time! Lois and Leah are both wonderful and caring people…these little ones are so very blessed to have them in their lives! Not that I’m forgetting dad, Greg…he was working and we’ll get him in the fall with the family photos and Luke’s four year pictures!

One last shot…Amelia was amazed at her reward from the session…a little Pez dispenser from Toy Story…and she couldn’t figure out what happened to all of the candy…hehehe…it was eaten quickly and then they went home…ahhh, my plan…give them sugar at the end and send them home!