Smilin' faces...

I'm very blessed by the little children in my life... Whether they're my nieces or part of my extended Illinois family, their smiles bring such joy to my life. Without a word spoken, they can communicate such a powerful lesson of simplicity and beauty. What a gift they are...

Katie celebrating her 4th birthday...

Papa & Carly sharing a laugh at Roche Harbor, WA

As usual, Carly is charming the entire table with her smile...

Logan is all smiles at a backyard family party

Tyler isn't quite sure what to think of my camera...
but gives me a smile that will melt any heart.

Katie is always up for piggy back ride from Papa!

Something beautiful...

I'm learning how to say good-bye. In the midst of this lesson, I 'm realizing that I'm not very good at it. In August, my grandmother passed away. We were very close and I was lucky enough to spend a great deal of time with her. As much as I take comfort that she is no longer suffering and is in the presence of God, I'm still grieving. I miss her...there are many things that I encounter things that remind of her.

As a family in September, we cleaned out her home. Her home was grand central station for our family for over 60 years. It was a home that she purchased before she married my grandpa... A home that she shared with him for over 50 years... A home that she raised her two children, not to mention the many years her 5 grandchildren spent playing there... A home that hosted many Bible studies, family gatherings and Friday evening card games.

Throughout the last couple of months I've been surprised by the layers of my grief...One of those layers has created a desire to make something beautiful out of this loss. So, with my camera in hand I took advantage of the painful process of cleaning out her home and I tried to make something beautiful.

Adams Ave, Fullerton CA

The gate to my grandparents backyard.

My grandpa's tool box...

Grandpa's work bench

Grandma's Camry...I learned to drive in this car.

Butchart Gardens - June 2007

This summer, I was also lucky enough to spend some time at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. This larger than life garden is a photographers dream come true... The colors of the flowers are so vibrant that it makes the pictures come alive. I remember visiting this special place as a child but it quickly became a favorite of mine as an adult. Enjoy...

My favorite summer pictures....

In June, my family and I spent 2 weeks in the Pacific Northwest. It was amazing...

Pike Place Market - Seattle, WA

British Camp
San Juan Island

Roche Harbor - San Juan Island, WA

Friday Harbor
San Juan Island, WA

May 2007

Here are some family pictures from trip to Denver in May. I spent three days watching the girls and then we all headed up to the lake house. My trip was definitely too short....

S.O.S. Memphis

Here are some of my favorite pictures from my week in Memphis...
To see more pictures, you can click on the link to the right .