A Special Family {Idaho Family Photographer}

 Another session from last month while I was on vacation in Idaho was with a very special family, the Barnes! Ned and Linda are the parents of this wonderful group and live in Spokane, Washington, although they have a summer home on Priest Lake in Idaho and it was a wonderful setting for this great family to gather on this beautiful summer day! They have three children, all married and unfortunately, one of their sons and his family were not able to be there for this session, but we were able to get their other two children, their children and some extended family together for these photos…what fun time I had with everyone! Of course, how can one not enjoy any time at a location with such a beautiful view…and I must tell you that I’m a sucker for a water location and especially a lake…I’m a “lake girl” at heart!! So, when asked if I could come out and photograph their family by Linda, I didn’t have to think twice about this opportunity…my only questions were when and for directions!

Besides Ned and Linda, there was their daughter and her family, Katie and Larry as well as their children, Evie and Quinn. Also visiting was Larry’s mother, Olive and his sister, Ruth. Next up with son, Mitch…and his family who were visiting from Spain. Mitch’s wife, Raquel and their children Neddy and Michelle, were joined by other visitors (family) from Spain…Raquel’s father and mother – Pablo and Mari Te and her sister, Sara.   And, we can’t forget Mary Jay, who is Ned and Linda’s beautiful dog…such a  sweet tempermant…and she loved being there with everyone!

This group was very relaxed, but who wouldn’t be when spending a summer day on a beach of a beautiful lake…with no schedule….just a day of fun and relaxation!!

Sweet little Michelle and Neddy…aren’t they adorable!!

Linda with her grandchildren…she’s so blessed to have such wonderful and sweet grandchildren!

Quinn…he was a very quiet and serious little guy…and he took everything in and carefully thought things through…but I managed to find some smiles inside of him before the session was over!

The Spain family…such a GREAT looking group!

Little Neddy…he is very curious and not afraid of much (except for slivers…see photo below!)…and explored everything he saw…what a wonderful spirit he has!

This is Katie’s family (from California) and their daughter, Evie on the right. Evie is a beautiful girl and was very sweet and gentle…such a caring child.

Ned and Linda with Katie and Mitch…it was too bad their son, Eric, wasn’t there…then this would have been a perfect picture!

Little Michelle (11 months old) has the most beautiful eyes and the greatest smile!…and was a delight to watch…she loved her big cousin, Evie!

Wow…trying to get four children to all look in the same direction and happy…definitely a challenge…and thanks to their parents, we were successful!

Isn’t this the most beautiful dog you’ve ever seen…Mary Jay is SO sweet and gentle and was happy to just be there, but even happier when somone would throw one of her toys for her!

Poor Neddy got a sliver in his foot while walking around in his bare feet…good thing dad (Mitch) came to the rescue with a band-aid!

A wonderful and fun group…I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them this afternoon!

These two cousins have obviously bonded and despite their age difference and the distance between their homes, it’s obvious they will always be close!

Evie was playing with Michelle’s toes…so cute!

Hmmm….who was having more fun playing with the toys on the beach…Neddy, or Grandma Linda?!! I think we can see who it might be!

Ned and Linda Barnes…a loving a generous couple who have not only given so much to their children and grandchildren, they have also given to their friends and community…both are kind and quick to give a helping hand to whoever might need it. I know they have been there for my family at times and I know there are many others who have been blessed with their generous spirit as well. This couple is blessed in so many ways, but also are both fighting cancer right now, so they can certainly use any postive thoughts and prayers right now…they have so much left to give and I know they will fight with every ounce of their beings to beat the diseases!  LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

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!