Cannon Beach Family Adventures

Reunion // September, 2018
Arch Cape, Oregon

Every couple of years three of my closest girlfriends and I plan a trip. We find a location near one of us and the rest pack up the families and make the trek. Over the course of a long weekend, we reconnect over food, adventure, games, sport and laughter. This time around, we chose the beautiful Oregon Coast as our destination. We made hot dogs on the beach, explored tide pools, flew Opie the octopus kite with the kiddos, read and played games. It was a perfect reunion set against the backdrop of the magnificent Oregon Coast.

Summer Camping

Family Camping Trip // August, 2018
Carson, Washington

This summer we escaped our respective cities and met up at Beaver Campground near Carson, WA in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A first camping trip for the two little ones in our family led to much excitement. Tucked away near the Wind River we had everything we needed… some fresh air, lots of greenery, and a fire pit at our lovely little campsite. We were easily entertained by backyard badminton, banana boat and s’more roasting, card playing and stories around the fire. The weekend was topped off by a night in a field filled with lots of laughter and shooting stars.

Last Summer

Grandpa // July-August, 2016
Newport & Corvallis, Oregon

Last summer is one I will never forget. It's the one where my grandfather passed away. The one where we all came together as a family - to grieve, eat, sleep, laugh, and cry.

My grandfather was 91 years old. He was a Boy Scout, musician, navy veteran, plane crash survivor, engineer, community leader, adventurer and advocate. He was a committed husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Grandpa was a man of few words who led by example. He devoted his life to serving his community and caring for the people around him. I always admired the dance in his step, twinkle in his eye and subtle joke under his tongue.

Below are a few photos from his spectacular life and from last summer.
Here's to you, Grandpa. We will always love you so.  

Family Photos in the Woods

Smith Family // September 24, 2016
Fairview, Oregon

A couple months prior to this photo shoot, I was in the office chatting casually with my coworker Jessica. She was early into her third trimester, pregnant with her first son. We discussed weekend plans, as well as how she would decorate the baby's nursery and which stroller she still needed to buy. It was July in Portland which meant long days, warm temperatures, and a care-free attitude. 

The next morning Jessica didn't come to work. I thought maybe she wasn't feeling well. Later that afternoon I found out that she had given birth to little Greyson. What a surprise! Fast forward a few months. Healthy, strong, and sweet, I had the privilege to meet the little guy. Jessica and her husband Cody packed up the car, grabbed the dog, and together we headed into the woods for an afternoon walk and photo shoot. They are such a sweet family!