What {a lazy Fourth} looks like || Bend, Oregon Photographer

Together with five other Oregon photographers I am continuing a lifestyle blogging project entitled "What ___________ looks like," an idea inspired by a group of photographers out of Montana.  On the third Monday of each month I will fill in the blank with my own word or concept, and link to the next photographer's blog until the circle is complete.  I hope you take the time to enjoy this monthly photographic journey, and enjoy each of our monthly projects. 

What {a lazy Fourth} looks like.

I won't lie. We've been busy. 

I know, I know - everyone is busy these days, but I do believe this summer takes the cake. I won't bore you with the tedious details (perhaps the "sale pending" sign in our yard will give you a hint of one aspect of our crazy summer), but suffice it to say that I haven't really brought out my big camera too terribly often. 

For the Fourth of July, however, I felt I should at LEAST go through the motions - if somewhat half heartedly. My go-to lens was in the shop, so I grabbed my new & improved 50mm and figured I'd snap a few of the kids and our fireworks. 

Along the lines of "we've been busy" - we simply didn't have the energy to make a huge day out of it. No trip downtown to the annual town parade, elaborate fireworks, no yard decorations, and no fun red, white or blue food. {What a slacker mom, right?}

But, in the end, we spent a lovely, lazy day together. My dad was in town (how'd you like his garage, by the way? Me? I thought it was a great post! Haven't seen it yet? Be sure to make the blog-loop!) - and my mom had joined us as well for dinner and festivities. The boys had picked out a few of their favorite fireworks - and delighted in setting them off themselves. As for me? I need to go through the motions more often. I love these images of a lazy Fourth - as they succinctly tell the story of what our day looked like. 

I hope you enjoyed these images, now head on over to Jessica's Blog:

Jessica Woodford Photography

Serious Cuteness + Old Friends = Good Times || Bend, Oregon Photographer

I was so excited when my best college buddy called and said she was coming to Central Oregon this summer - and even more excited when she said she wanted some family photographs. The stars completed alignment when she said they were staying at Eagle Crest, as I'd JUST scouted out a great location up there. 

Combine all of that with her adorable & charming kiddos - and we had a great time, with some priceless images to boot!

I'm confident you'll enjoy these as much as I do...

And that's a wrap!

My own personal second shooter || Bend Oregon Photographer

Last night I was scheduled to photograph my dear friend and her darling family up at Eagle Crest near the river. My oldest, still recovering from a minor surgery, wanted to tag along. I figured we wouldn't be going too far and wild, and these were good friends of mine and would welcome his presence, so why not?

He did great, and was a welcome addition to the photo crew, helping with the young kids. 

Yup - I'm a proud mama, and look forward to working with him as grows into a fine young man!

Alaska! Our Alaska Cruise, finally revealed! || Bend, Oregon Photographer

Back in May, our family took the trip of a lifetime, a Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic cruise through Southeast Alaska. Seven days of adventure aboard a small ship, with my mom, brother and our families - 10 in all. 

Needless to say, I came back with a treasure trove of images and loved documenting this special time with my family - and even went so far as to share my thoughts on creating family memories in the current issue of True North parenting {link to come}. Now that I've had the chance to sort through all of them, I can finally begin to share them here, along with a few anecdotes from our trip. 

Without a doubt, of all our wild adventures - my favorite experience happened during our final day exploring the Tracy Arm in Zodiacs as we dodged chunks of ice, making our way closer and closer to the Sawyer glacier. Venturing cautiously close to icebergs, we were treated to amazing, up-close views of the blue-ish ice. It was truly captivating.

The quiet still of the bay is what impressed me about this image.
I'm mesmerized by the reflection punctuated by floating ice.

No, really. It is this blue.

For more on our Alaskan Cruise, here's an article I wrote about the gift of experiences with family.

And, for the video slideshow - part video diary, part slideshow, part movie - Enjoy this YouTube link.