Our February was
2 Birthdays, lots of Treats,
Several Archival posts, and a new place for my work on Etsy.
This Month's 28 images:
365 Photo a Day- Month Two
A Good Time in the Fall (in the Spring)
Being young is a wild and wonderful ride. It contains constant new experiences, running the full spectrum of emotion. It's messy, it's fun, it's intense, and ultimately rewarding. Hopefully, with guidance and love, childhood is something we look back on with fondness. I have a feeling these kids will.
Siblings
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you.”
― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner
He's a creative, thoughtful artist, and she's an energetic, industrious princess. With a sibling relationship, there's so much potential. You have an accomplice, an adventure buddy, and a forever friend. It's a special bond. These two have it for sure.
This fall in Bellingham has been one for the books, colorful and lingering. I'm so thankful I was able to photograph these two back in October during full vibrancy and pleasant weather. Mom wanted a Fall session with pumpkins and color and I was more than happy to oblige. We're friends with these littles and their parents, and the opportunity to shoot this special time was a treat :-)
Thank you Kidd Family, for being such warm and generous friends! And thank you for the chance to photograph your children!
Halloween in Bellingham 2.0
Get ready, this is a long one, folks. ;-)
Bellingham does Halloween right. It's been a while since I could get excited about the holiday, but now that we have a safe, fun, simple, family-friendly place to take the kids, I'm hooked. I've always loved this time of year. Trick or treating in Fairhaven is like going to a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and gets really into the holiday. And it starts pretty early, which is super helpful for those of us with young kids.
Eliza was very funny with the whole event. She didn't quite understand what was going on, but about halfway through, she looks up at me after getting something in her bag and says, "more?" She had a great time. Don't worry though, didn't give this little owlet any of the candy. She doesn't even have all her teeth yet.
We saw several of our friends out this year, some pictured, some not. Charlotte, of course had a fantastic time, but seeing so many of her friends was icing on the cake.
Charlotte and Charlotte (aka Goldilocks).
A fairy and skeleton share a hug!
David S. Pumpkin's everybody! If you have any questions, look up SNL season 42, Episode 4.. I can't guarantee any answers, but that entire episode is pure gold.
Eliza thought our neighbor-friend's skeleton costume was hilarious. She wasn't bothered by it at all, the little hoot.
A carebear brigade, made up entirely of middle school aged boys.
Guys^^^^ The mom was a golden ticket, unfortunately hidden behind Wonka in this candid shot. Don't know these people, but based on the costumes, I kind of wish we did!
Candy from a storm trooper. Umm, YES!
She's done with trick or treating, and we got the photo to prove it!
This Halloween was magical. Watching The Great Pumpkin, trick or treating in Fairhaven, pizza delivery when we got home, pumpkins painted (instead of carved, because 4 and under) and Stranger Things 2 after the girls went to bed.
A fantastic way to start the holiday season!
A Mom & Her Girls
This is Haley. She runs an online clothing company (Blushing Willows Boutique) out of Lynden Washington, just north of us. I met her via Instagram, and we decided to collaborate on some photos two weeks ago. The fall colors were a perfect backdrop to this sweet mom, her little girls, and a few of the cute products she has to offer.
These photos really show just how affectionate these three are. They're a smiley bunch, full of sunshine, without even trying. I find their positivity absolutely magnetic, and hope to work with them again to get more great lifestyle photos.
Thanks for working with me Haley! I LOVE these photos :-D
Sheng Family
This is Sheng, family of 5: husband, wife, grandmother, child, and pug. They're in a fun season of life, with a shy little guy who likes bubbles, balloons, and snacks (don't we all?). I had a great time at Larrabee State Park with these folks.
Thanks for letting me photograph you, Sheng Family!
PNW Kids
In this season of our life, there's space for them to explore. And if this place didn't give us anything else, this would be enough.
Being a kid in the Pacific Northwest has its perks.
Baby M Comes Home
Bringing home a new baby.
It's a true definition of adventure. Parenting isn't an easy job. It's never-ending, expansive and full as more little folks are added. New babies create a time of exciting adjustment, sprinkled with sleep, playtime, messes, hugs, diapers, half consumed cups of coffee that have been microwaved 27 times.
Babies alter the lives of those involved forever. A mom and dad have kids now, not just the one. A little girl becomes a big sister. The family has expanded into something very different and just as wonderful.
As hard as it can be to take on more in parenting, these new little people are a rich ingredient to a fruitful life. They're something to be cherished and cultivated. As a parent, you have the most important external role of shaping this person...your person. Watch how life, how these little lives, have such a big impact on your world.
Parenting is a hard job, but such a worth while one. And I do love documenting it :-)
Jaxon
Jaxon. 12 weeks (ish).
He was such a gentleman, well-behaved and friendly, with so many smiles. AND to top it off, content to just sleep when he needed it.
Babies. Happy Babies. They spoil this photographer.
Skagit Valley Spring
Some friends of ours invited us on the Skagit Valley Tulip Route back in April. We were a little early to the tulip party since this past winter was colder than normal. Still, it was a fun trip. I didn't get too many photos, obviously. Between keeping an eye on kids in the crowds,making sure the one strapped to me was happy, and conversing with our travel buddies, there wasn't much time to shoot. That's totally fine. It was great to explore a new area with some great friends we've made.
Kate & Charlotte
Meet Kate & Charlotte. Two independent, smart, energetic, and stylish gals who make a trip to Boulevard Park super enjoyable.
Charlotte is an expert runner, climber and explorer. And man, let me tell you, Kate can keep up like it's nothing, all while growing a human. I'm impressed. Growing people is hard work.
So glad I was able to photograph this special time before Charlotte becomes a big sister, and Kate has two to chase after. Thank you for being great photo companions, ladies!
Bike
Shout out to this girl, who after only two months of a push bike is demanding a "purple bike with petals."
Charlotte 3.5
Back in July we went on a "little adventure" in the field behind our house for some pictures. Charlotte wanted to wear one of her special occasion dresses, which was a great idea. She's growing fast, and I wanted to get photos before this particular moment in her life was past. The result was super sweet, and very much Charlotte. Outside exploring, but still in a dress.
We only spent maybe 15 minutes, but she really enjoyed herself. Kind of funny how that works. Some times I feel like I need to plan some huge thing, bursting with activities or "learning" projects, when in reality, the simplest things will do for this age. Like traipsing around in a field with a nice dress on.
Matthew
He's ten years old, curious, and super active.
All of those things, and he did a great job working with me for an hour one Sunday this October. I've been shooting his portraits since Matthew was five, looking forward to doing it again in a couple years.