Trout Family

I had the honor on Saturday the day prior to Fathers day to photograph the Lovely Trout Family :) I was so nervous coming up to this shoot because the weather kept calling for rain and there was no chance to reschedule due to everyone has different shifts and this was there Fathers day gift to their dad.  So with fingers crossed and a quick prayer said I was on my way to Point Defiance Park!!  Leaving Auburn I was kind of doubtful though.  There was dark clouds with rainfall and it looked like there was no end in site.  But just a few miles down on I5 there it was, the miracle I was asking for....sunshine!! Lucky us the entire hour in a half shoot went on with just a few sprinkles towards the end. When I dropped off the CD to Amanda I was so happy to hear that when she told her dad about the gift he got tears in his eyes....that right there is why I love my job :)

{Introducing the Trout Family} 

Scouting Seattle "photo shoot"

I will say first that this wasn't a typical photoshoot.  I actually had a day planned out to go to seattle with my sisters and long time friend Alicia and take a few pictures, but I have sooo much fun doing just that I ended up spending the entire time up there doing a full out photo shoot lol.  These are a few of my favorite images from that day (and to think we thought it was going to rain!)

Lisa and Sam (and baby christopher)

So I am a bit behind on my blogging, but life sometimes gets a little crazy even for me to handle it all lol.  I am though going to catch up!!!  Today's blog is about the photo shoot that I had at the beginning of this month with Lisa (who believe it or not was 33 weeks in these photos...jealous? I was! lol).  Lisa and I go all the ways back to middle school so it's almost surreal that I get to photograph her pregnancy.  That I think is the best part of this job, the catching up with long lost friends and being apart of those most memorable moments in their lives. 

Donald Eugene Vandel

{you will always have a spot in my heart}

This may be that hardest blog I will ever do, but I owe it to my Grandpa to keep the memory alive and cherish all the great things he accomplished in his life. Where do I begin though.  I often think of how to describe my grandfather, but like my sister stated at his memorial there are no words can describe him?  He was the kindest, gentlest most non critical person I've ever known.  I never saw him yell or even get angry for that matter.  He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather along with a loyal friend and can't forget the BEST Santa Clause! There is and will probably never be a better person than him.  

The Great-Grand kids Jayden (sleeping on daddies shoulder) and Ethan

Son Gregg Vandel and Daughter Donna Lantz

Grandpa Don's 1st Girlfriend drove up from Oregon to attend (now if that doesn't speak volumes I don't know what does lol)

The toilet paper roll.....not sure if any was left by the end of the day :(

Saluting my Grandma and the cars has we drive to the ceremony site

The Final Salute

At after the memorial service family and friends gathered at Edeline and yahn funeral home in Kent, Wa. Here is where we shared stories and celebrated all the great things that he did not only for his family but also the community.

Maggies on Meeker in downtown Kent is where my grandfather everymorning would go and have coffee at the "table of Gnawledge"

Brad Bell was simply amazing.  I don't know what me or the rest of the family would have done without him there.  Thank you for all the kind words, you will always be remembered :)

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke also spoke and shared a story that she had while my Grandpa was Santa Clause

(if you look closely you can see that he kissed her on the cheek...is this another political scandal? lol)

My mom sharing her last conversation that she had with my grandpa the day prior, and of course it was related to the lack of underwear Americans seem to be wearing now a days :) oh grandpa

My Grandma ~ The love of his life

I will always remember you Papa and try to do as much good in my life that you did in yours