P Family {Seattle Family Photographer}

The skies were gray and rain was in the distance but I was still able to meet and photograph a wonderful family and their sweet 8 week old boy.  They were so genuine and fun and had no problem walking all over Gasworks for some good shots.  Here are some of my favorites! I hope that I get to see this stylish little guy again sometime!  Thank you Jen, Jeremy, and Parker for choosing me to capture this day!

simple.

How sweet is the pinterest-inspired card I made for a client?  So simple and sweet.  I wish I had taken step by step instructions knowing now how cute this little card was.  But I think you get the idea. I sewed the thread into the paper but others have suggested glue.  Your call.  Next time, I think I will leave room at the top to write a cute little caption. I think they will be happy with the outcome.

 

Now, for My Family...

Some of our random adventures.  Clark loved the kayakers.  Papa and the boys swinging.  Kannon made a new friend and played with some new trains.

I flew down to Long Beach last week to see my family: my brother, mom, cousins, aunt, nana, papa. I had been looking forward to this trip for a few months and couldn't hardly wait to give my papa a noogie; envelop myself in my mom's arms; feel more like a little sister to GIANT brother--I just couldn't wait.

Motherhood is hard. Its ten times harder when all your family lives miles away. It is also ten times lonelier.  Fortunately, I have had my cousin, Kirsten, crashing on my couch for the past few weeks to remedy some of that loneliness.  Our lives are so busy with two kids, two jobs, a hyper active dog, a garden, and well, life. Sometimes I go through a whole day too busy to speak.  Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love talking! Nothing is better to me than sitting on a patio or kitchen table sipping hot coffee (or wine if its after 5) and just talking! Imagine my excitement to talk to someone other than my husband or kids!

Our visit to Sarah's "farm". The boys didn't want to leave.  They begged me to bring those cats home.

Our trip started off a bit panicked as my mom called me at 3am to report she had gone to wrong airport and missed her flight.  Then, I snoozed through an alarm and rushed out the door, driving 80mph the whole way to the airport.  We checked in for our 7:00am flight at 6:13am.  Whew.

The boys were marvelous on the airplane and were mostly marvelous for the week.  They were adorable, sweet, and shared so many new experiences, bonded with family and refused to sleep the whole week.  Seriously. No naps. 11pm bedtime.  Me, driving on the freeway, screaming "go the F* to sleep!".  This mama was elated at their happiness but nonetheless exhausted.

Adventures at Shoreline Village.  My brother, mom, and I just loved it.

 

For once, I got spoiled.  My grandparents took us out to dinner. My mom bought me new clothes and jewelery.  My boys laughed harder than ever.  I saw some old friends, met some new friends, and got to photograph an 18 day old baby.  I watched Kannon and Clark beat the crap out of each other but then kiss and hug.  Life is happening so fast.

The boys loved playing on these stairs.  We could only get them to stop by offering them M&Ms!

 
Kannon spent his days swimming, splashing, and sliding down a pool.  We went to my cousin's house where we fed goats, pigs, and snuggled with kittens.  We went to a beach park where the boys couldn't get their clothes off fast enough to get into the wet sand and warm water.  I watched my brother, so stubborn and loud, become a big teddy-bear to my kiddos. I made new discoveries about my boys growing personalities: Kannon's fearlessness for water; Clark's love of the jacuzzi and nakedness.

I love these sunsets

I also did some soul-searching.   I have been feeling a bit unfulfilled. Something in my life is missing.  I thought maybe it was time to add some more challenge--a new career, back to school, a baby?.  I couldn't quite figure it out.  I have made this epiphany twice this year already, but I miss living CLOSE  to family and friends.  I miss hearing my master story-teller papa tell a story and laugh.  I miss giving my brother advice or rides to work.  I miss wandering around with my mom with a full tank of gas and a spirit of adventure. My mom and I laughed so hard this week.  We also cried.  She is my first best friend.

I am not sure what to make of all this.  I miss everyone! My dad, my mom, grandparents, aunts, cousins, uncles, brothers, and more. Perhaps more trips to see family.  Perhaps more phone calls and skype.  Or maybe we will jump ship all together and dive head first into a cross-country move. Who knows?  All I know is family is important.  If someone had told me as an 18 year old rebellious teen that I would miss my family, I would have laughed.  Now, someone remind me to share this with my children when they are 18. 

 

M Family {Los Angeles Family Photographer}

Although we were on technically on vacation, I took the opportunity to meet up with a new friend and photograph her newborn son and family.  We had a wonderful time laughing at our boys and "oohing" and "awwing" over her 18 day old baby.  Let me tell you this family was not only genuine and sweet, but they had some awesome stories to share!  The next time I am in LA I will certainly have to call them! Here are some of my favorites!

Just relax...

We found ourselves with two unexpected days off and decided to hit the open road.  We loaded up the kids and headed to Camano Island State Park for some much needed family time.  It was refreshing, beautiful, and comical watching our kids experience camping. 

For me, being in the outdoors is a priority but to two city kids who spend most of their time indoors, camping was a bit unnatural.  Our first night, the kids asked where the trains were.  The second day, Kannon asked if we could go home.  But by our last night the kids were making racetracks in the dirt and fingerpainting on trees.  By the day's end, they weren't ready to come home.

We had a wonderful time hiking and exploring the tide pools.  Kannon was quick to find a crab claw and a few clams.  Our water obsessed dog had a great time chasing logs in the frigid water.  We laughed and rolled with the flow.  We found eagles, rabbits, and tree frogs.  We watched as our kids curiosity exploded with new words and ideas. 

We dreamed about what life in the country would be like.  Both Dale and I are from the small towns with rural roads and big sky.  Someday, our kids will have that life too, but for now, camping is the closest we will get.  For now, we will just relax and savor the smell of pine, dirt on our faces, and the giggles of children.

August Special!

 

Papa with Clark in February 2011

AUGUST SPECIAL

To the first 13 clients....

$82 session fee

1 hour session at a location of your choice (within 15 miles of Seattle)

All of your images on custom USB drive

Private viewing gallery w/ password

10% off additional print purchases

(must be completed by October 1, 2012)

Whew! It has been a busy month!  I photographed 12 babies, a returning family, and am jumping on a plane to Long Beach, CA in a few weeks!  I am so excited for our trip as we will be visiting my mom, brother, cousins, aunt, and Nana & Papa!

 Papa with me in 1986

Wait....we are talking about August specials right?  Yes! My Papa is one of my most favorite people in the world and his 82nd birthday is on August 13th. He is a former pilot, traveler, fisherman, sailor, teacher, and more....I used to watch him sail, steering, navigating, and enjoying the salty spray.  And in honor of his special day, I am discounting sessions.....A LOT.

 In uniform; Flying his F-86 plane

My Papa has supported me through so much and is my biggest fan when it comes to photography. I am offering $82 sessions to the first 13 people. (sessions must be completed by October 1st 2012).

November 2011

AUGUST SPECIAL

To the first 13 clients....

$82 session fee

1 hour session at a location of your choice (within 15 miles of Seattle)

All of your images on custom USB drive

Private viewing gallery w/ password

10% off additional print purchases

(must be completed by October 1, 2012)

M Family {Seattle Family Photographer}

Two years ago I photographed Angela and her family on a hot Montana day.  I was so excited when Angela contacted me to photograph her family photos again.  On Sunday, I got to chase two very energetic boys and catch up with an amazingly strong woman.  Walking away from Sunday's session left me feeling empowered, amazed, and so very thankful. You see, two things to note since our first session in 2010:

1.) My photography has vastly improved which made me so excited to photograph these boys again.
2.) Angela's husband, Clint, passed away from cancer in December 2011.

Life changes in the blink of an eye.

I was amazed watching Angela chase her boys around solo.  At one point she even carried two 45 pounds one on each side across a gravel path.  This woman has got strength in so many ways.  I was exhausted running around trying to capture every little moment with this family! These boys made me laugh, run, and taught me some new expressions---something to do with chicken butt.

Thank you Angela for including me in your trip to Seattle.  I will always remember you and your family and I am so grateful my photos will be carried with you forever.  

--Kat