Parks, Red Brick, Railroad Tracks, Courthouses and Rivers

I love, love, love adventurous clients. They are the kind that are willing to be the subjects of my crazy ideas and I am grateful for them. I have been wanting to do a shoot in the river since my first client two years ago got in the creek in her prom dress.




My mind has been reeling with ideas but just couldn't quite find the right person. Well unbeknownst to me he was living right under my own roof. He has been asking me for headshots for quite some time and it just never quite worked out. Well I believe the following photos are proof as to why it didn't happen until now.

It all started with an old chair, so kindly donated to us from some good friends. The chair is 25 years old, rocked beautiful babies and has lots and lots of character not to mention memories.



Once said chair was loaded in the truck, the real fun began.

First the park...



Then the fall-out shelter...



Then the railroad tracks...



Then court square...



Then the river...



At this point I think he decided he needed a break...







So he jumped in the water...



And had some quiet time...




It wasn't a complete wash though... we got a few good shots of him to use in the future.




Now we just need to find him an office.

The Fair!

The fair has come and the fair has gone. All that is left is the tire tracks, dusty footprints, empty animal stalls and the last lingering scents of fair food...

MMMMM... FAIR FOOD


And lets not forget the memories. I have a lifetime of fair memories...

Attending the fair as a child in Idaho... the horse shows, the rides, the rodeo, gathering bags of freebies to take home and enjoying good food with family and friends.

Then again in high school going to the fair with a date... riding the rides, playing the games on the midway, laughing, playing and enjoying all the different kinds of food.

And now once again the fair has made an appearance in my life. Now I attend with my family enjoying all it has to offer... the animals, the petting zoo, the booths, the exhibits, the rides, the midway and of course the food.

Sadly, upon arriving at the fair this year I realized that I forgot my camera (the good one) and all I had on my was my iPhone... sad sad sad... I suppose I could have run home but once you are at the fair you just can't leave until they kick you out.

So after forking over all my funds to my kids for armbands, caramel apples, cotton candy and lots and lots of water. I got on the Ferris Wheel with my husband and snapped a few shots with the device iPhone calls a camera.







Now we wait with excitement and wonder as to what the fair will bring next year. Come join us if you dare.

Heading off to College

This girl happens to have been my very first client, a good friend, a courageous and willing soul, a college girl at the beginning of life and a beautiful model. Thanks so much Miss O for finding time in your busy schedule to help me out.

Free

There is something about swings...

Something that makes you feel like you have wings...

Floating through the sky watching the world go by...

Wind blowing through your hair...

Butterflies tickling your tummy...

Giggling with friends...

It makes one feel young and free...

End of a Chapter

A week or so ago I got on a plane with my mother to retrieve the remainder of her belongings still in Oregon. So many things could have slowed us down, gone wrong or made the trip miserable and yet everything and I mean everything went right. It was a trip full of blessings in more ways than one.

I had mixed feelings about making the trip but I am grateful that I went. It was hard to watch my mom say good-bye and turn that page in her book. I haven't lived in Baker for years but I always had a home there I could go visit. Now that is gone and it is a bit weird.

I snapped a few shots on the trip but I made certain they were things that brought only good memories of the West. They are things that are close to my heart and remind me of why I love it and the memories I hold dear.

I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into my soul.

M&S formals

What a beautiful couple... and what a beautiful day. We had some great light at this place and got some great pics. Thanks Mike and Shayla for letting me share in your day.

Just Like Grandpa

This is my grandpa Oaks...



He played football for BYU and was quite good I am told. He was quite athletic and played lots of different of sports during his younger years. I only remember Grandpa playing with us grandchildren and he never disappointed. He was always up for a good game of whatever we wanted to play.


About 6 years ago I was blessed with this 10lb baby boy who is nothing but muscle and is built just like Grandpa...



I suspect he will put his all into whatever sports he chooses to play and someday I hope he plays with his grandchildren with as much vigor as Grandpa Oaks played with his. I am often amazed at how much he runs, jumps, walks and holds himself like Grandpa did. He is strong and yet kind, hard-working and playful and never misses the chance to play a good prank on someone. Yep he is definitely a descendant of Grandpa Charlie.

Sports a blessing and a curse

I don't know what it is but there is something about soccer. I am sure all sports are probably this way but so far our family has only entered the world of soccer. It seems that during the season your Saturday consists mostly of soccer...

Getting up, eating breakfast, finding the soccer gear, racing out of the house, driving to the field, finding a seat, screaming and cheering like a maniac, passing out snack, issuing congratulations, driving home, washing the soccer gear, putting everything away, sitting on the sofa and wondering what have a I gotten myself into...


Sometimes this is how I feel about soccer...



Everything goes by in a blur, nothing in focus, until the season is over.


But most of the time...


What leave me alone... I'm watching the game.



A few practice warm ups. He didn't think it was funny when I pointed out that he wasn't the goalie and he shouldn't be touching the ball... "Mom"



Occasionally it becomes a whole family event when Dad fills in for the coach and makes one of our daughters run a practice play to show them how it's done... "Really Dad you want me run down the field and kick the ball? Do I have to?"



Kason won't ever pass up a chance to make a goal.


You would think that the other members of the family would watch their brother play but no that's too boring so we must provide sideline entertainment, snacks and beverages.

My oldest prefers to read a book... which is usually fine until a wayward ball enters her territory.


Sometimes the sideline entertainment becomes distracting to the players and we have to intervene.


Most of the time the games have nice weather... not to hot, not to cold... but the final game of the season was a roaster.

The kids were so hot and sweaty... Kason came to the sideline and asked if I would pour a bit of water on his head. I gladly obliged and drenched the kid... I don't think he was very happy with me because this was what ensued.




Then he politely walked away and took a seat on the sidelines.


For now soccer is over but I am sure the fall season will be here before we know it. We must love this sport thing... next up




BASEBALL!!! Look for us in the spring cause here we come.

This boy makes me SMILE!!!

I have this little boy who somehow got these beautiful blue/green eyes and this really infectious smile.

He also has great hair that I am pretty sure he inherited from his Dad.

He is already gaining attention from the ladies at school which leads me to believe that he will be able to woo the girls like his dad as well.

His sense of humor is fabulous and when he is around there is never a dull moment.



But my favorite thing about him is that he is still my little boy...

-when he gets tired he still wants me to snuggle with him.

-when he gets hurt he still wants me to kiss and make it better.

-when he wakes up in the night he still wants me to put him back to bed (I think I would be okay with him waking his dad up every once in a while for that).

-when he gets sick he wants me to sit in bed and hold him.

-when he has a nightmare only mom can make it better with her famous pillow trick.

-when he has had a bad day he still says a hug and kiss from mom makes it all better.


I know one day soon he won't need or really even want those things but for now I will enjoy them and when they end I will relish the memories.