Indianola Days : 2011

When I was growing up, I'd spent weeks visiting my cousins Matt and Mike, my aunt, my uncle and my grandparents at their homes in Indianola (10 minute drive from the Kingston ferry on Puget Sound). We'd play at the beach, have bonfires, go on long bike rides, jump off the dock, go crabbing and on boat rides...for me it was the perfect summer camp. Each summer, the people of Indianola celebrate their little community with "Indianola Days." I hadn't participated in Indianola Days for about 15 years so it was fun for me to get back this weekend, but even more exciting to share this memory of mine with Steve and Raleigh. I can't wait until next summer when Raleigh can run around with the older kids and swim in the Sound.

We randomly ran into Steve's good college buddy, PJ and his wife and kids who were attending a family reunion at the house next to where we were hanging out on the beach.

Cousin Mike and Raleigh

Paul, Olivia, Lauren, Raleigh and Henry

Cousin Matt bought his wife Lisa a golf cart for her birthday - best.gift.ever!  Steve and I went for a little spin up to check out the country store and the salmon bake.

The infamous Indianola Dock

Somtimes you just need a little assitance going to the bathroom when you've got wet swimtrunks on.

Annual Trip to Bozeman

This year marks my third annual, summer trip out to Bozeman, MT to visit the Johnsons and the Weedins.  The difference between this year and years past is that Steve joined me for the first time and rather than flying, we drove...11 hours straight through with a 3 month old.  I was a bit nervous subjecting Raleigh to this 650 mile ride, but Jenny assured me that everything would be fine and right she was...he did great.  She's made this same drive many times with her girls so I knew we could do it.  Besides for all of our wonderful friends that live in Bozeman, there's just something extra special about this beautiful place.  I love the small-town feel, the surrounding mountains, the rivers, the people, the 360 degree unbelievable view, the restaurants, the beers, the die-hard MSU Bobcat fans - you get the idea.  This trip was planned last summer when Dusty & Gina hired Steve and I to shoot their wedding...I shot their engagement in Bozeman last summer.  I used to say that Maui was the most beautiful place to tie the knot since that is where I was married, but after witnessing my first Bozeman wedding my mind may have been changed.  Here is a photo recap of our trip and a shot from the wedding.

Sunrise view of the Bridgers from the Johnsons guest bedroom at 5am when we got into town on Thursday morning

Palisades Falls hike at Hyalite

Music on Main

Jenny, me and Ali at The Cannery aka the first real bar that Raleigh ever hung out in...babies are allowed in the bars in MT.

Raleigh, Greta, Maddy, Brekken and Taylor

Jenny and Nick's guest bedrom had the perfect natural lighting for a little photoshoot of our little man.

Sunset from Cle Elum on our drive home

The lovely Mr. & Mrs. Daws

I'm already looking forward to Bozeman 2012 and hopefully a side-trip through Yellowstone.  A huge Thank You to Jenny, Nick, Maddy and Taylor for letting us stay with you - we had such a great time! 

Wedding Weekend Getaway

This past weekend our friends Diggy and Ryan tied the knot at the beautiful Alderbrook Resort at Hood Canal. Despite the wet weather, their nautical themed wedding was beautiful. From the sailing rope lining the aisle to the guys sailing knot boutineers, every detail was perfection for this sailing loving couple. The afternoon and evening were a blast. Lots of wine, lots of dancing and lots of laughs. We even had someone to watch all of the kiddos for the evening so we could let loose. However, from the photos, you might think differently as Raleigh spent quite a bit of time in the arms of friends.

Steve and I stayed about a mile up the road from the resort at an adorable cabin in the woods that our family friends so graciously let us borrow for the weekend.

Congratulations Diggs and Ryan! Hope you two have a wonderful time on your honeymoon.