When asked for three words that described their family, they chose silly, loving and laughter. Well, let me tell you what, I agree with them 100%. I have a several more words I would add to their list.
Ambitious Achievers
When I noted Necia was left handed (I am too). Her husband, Mark, piped up that lefties are over achievers. Fair enough. After all Necia is so close to finishing her Master’s degree after many years of dedication to her studies, all while working full time and raising two adorably spunky kiddos. How could I argue with him (not that I would want to). Then I find out that Mark is close to his second Bachelor’s degree. So truth is they are both over achievers, lefty or righty doesn’t really matter with this couple.
Gifted
I know if you spent time with them you’d agree with me. Both Necia and Mark work with children who face challenges, Necia works with ELL students and Mark with Special Ed. From my experience with them, I have no doubt that those kids adore them. This couple has a gift for making those around them feel seen and special. During the image reveal, I was taken by how Mark acknowledged each person in the images (his stunning wife and cute kiddos), not by telling them simply that they looked good, but instead by compliments that would be hard for them to forget. Mark carefully picked out specific traits and complimented those, such as “Maggie, look at how pretty your eyelashes are.” My guess is as she gets older, those words will sneak back up to the surface and she’ll smile as she remembers that her Dad thinks her eyelashes are pretty.
Necia and Mark, the world is a better place with you in it. You are working so hard to achieve all your dreams and bringing up kids that will likely follow in your footsteps as awesome people. What a treat it was to spent time with your family!
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/DIJ0DW42UJ4[/embedyt]select HD for best image quality / option may be hidden beneath a gear icon
“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:27
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/Esn1E1h3dpg[/embedyt]
Last week we took the chance to get away to Ocean Shores for a few days. The day we arrived the weather was warm and sunny, perfect! When we were leaving for the ocean the boys were really not excited (iPads and Xbox’s have a strong pull), but once we were there they were happy as clams playing on the beach.
Our second day we had Washington beach weather; cloudy, cold, rainy and windy. The kids didn’t mind a bit. We swam in the pool twice, took naps, drove around (picking up property flyers and dreaming), ate ice-cream, rode go-karts, drove on the beach and took a misty hike out to the surf. Speaking of ice-cream, I had my first ever scoop of black licorice at the Peppermint Parlor, YUM! If you like black licorice and ice cream, I highly suggest treating yourself to a scoop or two.
We packed up to leave on day three and were ready to head out early in the day. Conner piped up that he was disappointed that we never got to really get into the water. Well, we simply couldn’t let that be, after all the sun was out and it was a warm day. Blake actually fought us for a bit, but we all know that he loves water and it would take him mere minutes to end up in it smiling ear to ear.
I believe that while we grow up, often we stay the same. If you look closing at everyone around you, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of who they were as kids. Blake is a prime example and yes, I realize he isn’t grown up quite yet. When he was about Eli’s age we took him to Ocean Shores for the first time. As I photographed him this time, I was struck by how he did so many of the same things I caught on “film” the first time around; running straight into the water, pointing at it, jumping the waves, loving every moment. All while Conner, who has also grown and still remains the same at his core, stands back and worries a little that his brother is going to fall and get swept away.
Most of the time I come home with photos and never get much farther than uploading them and maybe sharing a couple. This time I promised myself that I would make a slideshow, just like I do for every single one of my clients. Often my clients become misty eyed as they watch theirs, this time it was me tearing up. Next I will be working on a simple album. For as much as I love the slideshow, there is nothing that compares to holding a print.
[embedyt]http://youtu.be/tC1Kkg5oFSw[/embedyt]
Before moving to Tennessee for work, the G family and I got together for their first family photo session. We began at the Point Defiance Rose Garden, which holds a special place in their hearts as it is where they were married. Then we made our way down to Owen beach for some good sandy fun. I’m pretty sure little miss O thought I had lost my mind when I walked right into the freezing water, but it was totally worth seeing her completely open up.
[embedyt]http://youtu.be/b1Jihj4VkWg[/embedyt]
