28/52 | Painting with Juju

in ,

Here's a throw back "one-a-week" photo set from one of my mom's visits this summer.
I love that I caught them in this fun moment painting and giggling and learning how to draw smiley faces. My mom used to paint back in the day. She really is an artist and has a natural ability to draw. Growing up, she would always leave cute drawings and florals on notes to us. I hope Marlow always gets to create, paint, and do crafts with her juju. Mom is such a natural at bringing out children's creativity and letting them make "messes"— I have so many memories of getting free access to the kitchen to make any kind of crazy concoction I wanted! I'm so thankful that Marlow gets to experience the same joy...hopefully in mom's kitchen, not mine. ;) Just kidding. Kind of.

Elizabeth | Senior Photos in Spokane | Ferris High

in

I'm so happy to share Elizabeth's senior photos with you! We ventured around downtown, stopped at a gas station, an alleyway, and then made our way out to Bowl & Pitcher for more senior photos.

This generation of young people is amazing. Seriously. Elizabeth and her bff who assisted us are both driven and clear on their goals, but more important, their purpose. Elizabeth has a passion for pediatric neurology. She wants to help kids. And I know she can and she will.

Elizabeth you are smart and quirky and funny and sweet and brave and unafraid of narwahls. I just adore you. You made my day with all your awesome, enthusiastic text messages. I hope you always remember this time in your life, just before you are catapulted out into the world to start your personal mission in life. Can't wait to see where you go!

36/52 A morning with the Zanol boys | Tri-Cities |

in ,

When we moved to Spokane from Tri-Cities nearly 3 1/2 years ago now (wow time flies), we knew what we'd miss the most. Our friends. Friends like these with whom laughter is easy. Mornings are lazy. Pajamas are the dress code.

We visited the Zanols a couple weeks ago to see their new-to-them house. I decided to wear my camera around as we toured the property. This was the first part of our week-long vacation and I mostly intended on documenting it for ourselves. It turns out there were little moments and sights that ended up being so precious to all of us.

This is the house where Noah and Eli will grow up, will go from running around in capes to bringing friends over for camp outs and bon fires, where they'll take pictures with their prom dates on the grand staircase, where their parents will have put blood, sweat and tears into making it a home, where overgrown and neglected garden beds will bear fruit for years, where family memories will be made. 

In all of about 15 minutes of walking around and watching the kids come and go, we ended up with a sweet assortment of photos that capture a Saturday morning in the life of the Zanol boys during this season of their lives in their new house. Marlow obviously had a blast with her buds. I hope they are friends forever. Here's to more un-shoots. :)

Smith Family | Family Photos at Tubbs Hill | Coeur d'Alene

in

Meet this Smith family! They drove from the Seattle area then got up early the next morning to meet me for family photos at Tubbs Hill in Coeur d'Alene. And it was so worth it! We beat the wind, rain, smoke and enjoyed a nice cool morning.
Katie and I have actually been "internet friends" for a few years. Watching and supporting each other as we moved into motherhood. It was so wonderful to actually spend time with her and her family in person. Warren kept us entertained with his adventuresome spirit and charm. Makena just made me want to squeeze her in all her preciousness! Katie and Carl - thank you for making this photo shoot happen and happy FIVE year anniversary!!

Isabel | Senior Photos | Gonzaga Prep | Spokane

in

Happiest of birthdays to this beauty, miss Isabel! We took these photos back in June on a beautiful summer evening in the Palouse. Literally the best spots are ones I see on the side of the road, down a ditch (sorry about that), or winding through a random dirt road. Thank you for exploring with me and trusting me! You are a beauty inside and out. I am truly excited for what comes next for you. Make the most of your last year, but look forward to the next phase of finding and defining and redefining your space and purpose in the world. You have a sweet heart to offer this world. XO

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bennett | Newborn Photos | Spokane

in

Meet baby Bennett and his family. I love the way Sam and Lurel adore their kids. You can see it in their eyes, in their patience, in their smiles, in their ability to go slow and roll with it all. I love that they are excited about big families. We found each other through Facebook and referrals, which really is the heart of my business, but we clicked instantly. I am so lucky. This newborn lifestyle photo shoot took place at my in-home studio. It worked out great to have space for sister to run around, nursing breaks, changes, etc.

Lurel and Sam - congratulations again!