SEMPER FI

Seems like he just graduated from high school. Oh wait...he did! And now, here he is a marine. How proud I am of him. The commitment of a young man as he trains and prepares to dedicate his life in service to our nation, protecting the freedoms that we all hold dear. We can never take them for granted. Such sacrifice is made to keep our country strong and free. Such courage. I, for one, will forever be grateful to those who serve. Thank you does not say enough.

They take great pride in him...their son and brother; it was hard to watch him leave and they miss him greatly, they are tight-knit as a family. But they are oh so proud of him.

 

WILLIAMS

Perfect fall day, fabulous weather, magnificent color in the trees...chilly, foggy mornings that clear into the most comfortable of days. I just love this time of year. Perfect time , great lighting, for those family portraits.

Lots of love in this family, you can really see the way they adore each other. They were a pleasure to spend time with...the little guy, is so full of life. His mother says I bring it out in him. Hmmm...I confess I have a soft spot for the kids and love to see them come to life and be playful. That is what makes this fun...let down and be yourself! 

Thank you Williams Family, for allowing me to have this day with you!

CELEBRATION OF LIFE...A MILESTONE

Over the Labor Day weekend, we joined together with family and dear friends to celebrate a remarkable woman on the occasion of her birthday! Every year is special and worthy of recognition...but on those milestones, we kick it up a notch! Linda's husband, Ron, and daughters, Kimberly and Tristan (along with their husbands, Mike and Phil) went to great lengths to put on a fabulous spread...they really did it up right! We thoroughly enjoyed an evening with special friends! Happy Birthday, Linda...may you celebrate many, many more!!

We slipped away briefly to take a few family shots. What a precious family they are. The kids were all a little sugared up and not really wanting to be pulled away from the party...but they cooperated and had fun with it.

WINDSOR

What a privilege to have time again with the Vice family of Windsor. And what more beautiful country for a backdrop than the lovely Sonoma wine country? We shot at various locations near Windsor...lots of laughs and good times. We ended the evening at a new eatery...The Wurst Place. Good times, good friends, good food!! Thanks for allowing me to save some memories!!

When in a vineyard.....

1940s?...except for the skirt length, of course

Three generations of beautiful women....

A little man-to-man...LOVE these precious, unexpected father/son moments!!

NOW...ON WITH LIFE

OK, so now high school years are behind Dave; the Marine Corps awaits. This, his last weekend home with friends and family was both poignant and playful. Mom was clearly holding back the tears while Dave was anxiously counting down the days. A couple of friends playfully enjoyed this last bit of time they had with him. 

This session was just little more than an hour before a huge bonfire to commemorate his leaving. Dave will certainly be missed. Thank you, Dees Family, for allowing me to be a part of this "good'bye".

Difficult for Mom to say good-bye

It's all about the boots...

Oh, happy day!!

 Great friends, great times! Now it is time to part ways for a time...each pursuing his/her own dreams. These are the times we will remember fondly.

 

I just LOVE it when people relax and have fun, get playful and show their personality for me. It makes my job so much more fun! And, oh, how I love the results!

Vice

A fun-filled day in Windsor...

It was hot, the kids would rather be indoors watching TV, the sun was high and we were pressed for time with Dad. All ingredients for a not-so-productive shoot. But we made the most of it anyway. We enjoyed the ride...

What an awesome family; the kids were a kick and both Mom and Dad were so very laid back. Considering that Dad was just on a quick lunch hour, he was most gracious and accommodating. Thank you, Ryan; you are a prince. And Nicole...always the gracious, gentle lady. Your lives are so busy...baseball is a constant. Keeps the family busy. Thanks for giving me your time.

Now we're havin' fun...

I'm lovin' this...

Can we be done now??

Risch

Maddy

"Why am I here? Really??"...Nicolas

Danielle

We are Family!!

We were blessed with one of the first days this Spring that actually felt like Spring! Maybe even a hint of summer...it was beautiful as we ventured from the old downtown streets to the park and then to the creek. Nicolas really warmed up to me...even told his mother he wanted to go with her when we meet again.(She told me he doesn't warm up to very many people...I feel so honored!!) Yes, we became friends indeed.


Such a beautiful family; true friendship between a teenager and her mother! I am blessed to call them my friends and was thankful to have this day with them.

Angelic

Williams

Playful and innocent...brother and sister. Neither of them particularly wanted their photos taken this particular day; but somehow they seemed to enjoy it...we made fun of it as they told me stories about the fish in their pond and I told them how I love to make homemade ice cream. He's a baseball player and loves it! She has a bedroom all done in Paris motif...so very girly and adorable! We had a good time and I "think" we actually became friends.

And Mom...well you see the response she can illicit! Fun, fun, fun!!