Oregon vacation

Well folks... we just returned from a long relaxing vacation. And while the last few days of it weren't as fun as the first part (due to me getting sick and then watching the fire news)... it was well worth all the planning that went into it before hand! I highly recommend if you haven't made a point to go on vacation in a while - do it! Invest in yourself.... and get out of town!

So, here's some pics. The first week we spent at a timeshare w/ my parents, brother Loren and his wife Jody and their daughter Heaven, my grandparents and my Uncle Gary and his wife Jackie. And one night we were blessed to have a visit from some old friends (not in age, just in the amount of time we've known each other) stopped in for dinner, laughter and some pics - Rick, Nancy and Ryan Childers, SO GREAT to see you three!!!

For the remaining time of our vacation we went north to my parents house (in Salem, Or) and did nothing more than eat and relax.... well we did some driving around too. A quick shout out to all of the towns who at least hosted us for a Starbucks run or a stretch of the legs: Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Salem, Dallas, Portland, Halsey, Brownsville, Newberg, Beaverton, Canby, and Eugene.

So, here's some pics of our adventures! Enjoy...

Show Me Your Funnies...

In line w/ what fellow photographers have blogged about recently ... I'm sharing with you a funny from a recent wedding. I'm sorry but I can neither confirm nor deny who takes responsibility for this. But "someone" backed into the Groom's Cake!!!

Justin and Ashley are engaged!

Not only did I get to hang out at another winery last week - I also got to hang out w/ some great people who are celebrating their engagement! We found ourselves at Bernardo Winery, where the great people that run the ol' place let us wander all over and just have a great afternoon. Thanks Annie!

I have to tell you (and yes, I know... it ages me to admit this...) I've known Ashley since she was maybe only 3 years old... and it's so great to see that she has blossomed into such a wonderful young lady. I got to shoot her graduation pictures a few years back ... and on that day I kept thinking to myself "BUT!!! She's still only 8 years old! How can this be?!"

Well, now the young girl has found herself a nice young man.... I'd like to introduce Justin and Ashley! Justin - you better take good care of her!











And then as we were walking out, past a wall we had walked by a dozen times.... I saw this... and knew it had to be a good sign...

Ian Charles Graff

A few Sundays ago I was given the opportunity, as Auntie Lori, to capture the moment when Debbie and Jon dedicated their son to the Lord. The Graffs were surrounded by family and friends - with the sole purpose of committing to do best by Ian Charles Graff. We prayed together for wisdom for Debbie and Jon as they raise their son in a godly manner. And we prayed that the days and years ahead for baby Ian would be nothing short of God's will.

Here are some of the precious moments from the day...

Welcome to a winery...

This past Sunday morning I awoke to lightning and thunder!!! And if you know me well you know this makes me a very happy woman! But my thoughts immediately turned to the wedding I had later in the day...


The morning rains were welcomed but they moved on rather quickly. Left behind was a beautiful wedding day at South Coast Winery in Temecula – just for Shane and Jennifer’s enchanting day. Below are some of my favorites from the day...


As you'll see, it turned out to be a phenomenal day...


Thank you, Shane and Jennifer for the opportunity to be with you (and your fun family and friends) on your special day!

Any many thanks to the boys of Studio 512 for a great shoot! It's always a pleasure!

Only blooms at night...

I'd like to introduce you to an amazing blossom - a Cereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Apple) Cactus Flower. I wish I could take credit for this - however, these beauties are growing on several of my neighbors' plants.

These blossoms are rather interesting. They are about the size of a cereal bowl - attached to a cactus that stands 9-12 feet tall. They blossoms open up at night... and when the day warms they start to close up. The blossoms in the picture above are about half-way closed at this stage.

This picture was taken around 7:15 am this morning... and the blossoms were going back into their "sleep" mode to protect them from the hot summer sun. Kind of like I do... stay inside and stay cool. At least until this cruddy, humid weather decides to wane into Fall.

Hangin' with the Marsheks

Loren and Jody surprised us w/ a very short visit a few weeks back... so while they were in town we figured there's no better time than to get together w/ the rest of the family. Hey Marsheks - thanks for your impromptu hospitality and all the great laughs! Each time we get together we ask ourselves "Why don't we do this more often?!" Let's make sure so much time doesn't pass us by before next time.... k?!

This is Heaven and Brooklynne hanging out for the first time!

Hey Gramps - I love your smile!

Loren - so good to see you and your family ... I miss you lil' bro!

Like I said - w/ the Marsheks there is always laughter! Thanks Uncle Paul for having us over on such short notice! You do good BBQ chicken!

Brooklyne is so curious these days... and if you couldn't tell by her tanned skin she LOVES the swimming pool! Her Daddy Jason is so playful with her... and she loves it!

Again, thanks for your hospitality and the use of your fire pit. Those s'mores were FABULOUS!!!