silver falls. (camping)

Two weekends ago, Leah and I found ourselves on a beautiful Saturday, with the option of doing whatever we wanted. We packed up and headed for Silver Falls State Park, to spend a night out under the stars. Of course many others shared the idea as well, so we found ourselves waiting in a long line for a camp site, and ended up having to stay in an RV spot, which we were bummed about because we were wanting to be IN the woods, but we were happy to be out in nature for a while. We hiked in to one fall, called winter falls which was very beautiful. Sunday morning I awoke early and headed out on my mountain bike. I really love mountain biking and when Leah and I lived in Boise it was the way that I would get away because trails were so close to our house. In Western Oregon the trails aren't so close, so I look forward to any opportunity I get. Leah actually pointed the mountain bike shot out to me when the butterfly landed on my muddy bike, we thought it a beautiful contrast. Leah and I really enjoyed ourselves, although we fell asleep on the couch when we got home, because we had no sleeping pads and the ground wasn't too forgiving. That's what camping is all about though.

mainstreet (grand Junction, CO).

On our trip to Colorado, I was so thankful to get to spend some time with a dear friend, Caleb. I met Caleb in Boise, and we used to go out and take pictures together whenever we got the chance, so it was nice to be back at it again, and to get some time to catch up. Main street in Grand Junction was filled with a Jazz and art Festival, which provided some interesting photo ops, which was a lot of fun, although I was so enjoying talking with Caleb, so I wasn't too focused on my surroundings. Caleb always inspires me with the way that he cares for people. Every time Leah and I make it to Colorado he and his wife always do whatever it takes to come and see us, whether it means driving all the way across town or staying up late into the night. This always means so much to us, and I use it as a reminder to care for people in the same way.

home.

I'm not sure why, but the desert seemed more beautiful than ever on our last trip to Palisade. We arrived during the best part of the year, when the desert plants are thriving and the harsh sun has yet to kill everything away. We had such a wonderful time with my family, and had the privledge of going on several hikes with my parents. The middle picture is of some petroglyphs which we hiked up to. It was beautiful to see them in such great shape, and to try to imagine what was happening in the story which has been shared. The top picture shows the valley where I grew up, the Colorado river winding its way through the bottom. The place where you grow up always holds a special place in your heart especially when there's so many people that you love and have shared so much life with.

karl & melissa.

During our stay in Colorado I was so thankful to spend time with my lovely sister and her husband. One night we managed to sneak in a little portrait session in downtown Grand Junction which proved to be full of wonderful settings. Karl and Melissa are both on the volunteer fire department, which explains why I focused on the "fire department connection". It was so wonderful to see both of them, and share a bit of life with them. Going home really makes me sad that I live so far away from my family. It was so great to see everyone, and to see home again. I will be posting some more pictures of my home in the near future, but I couldn't wait to work on these pictures of Karl and Melissa, so they're the first ones up.

taylor.

Sunday I had the treat of taking pictures of baby Taylor and her family, Kiley, Erin and Joe. At seven weeks old Taylor is one of the tiniest and youngest babies I have ever been around. She is such a beautiful and sweet little girl. It was a very fun session, as we were in a beautiful location outside of Newberg that I discovered on my recent backroad extravaganza. Tomorrow morning we're headed to Colorado, but I'll try to throw a few more up from this session, but right now it's time to pack.

biking joy.

Here's my beautiful wife riding her bike. My favorite thing about this shot is the way she appears to be in pure bliss with her eyes closed, and her beautiful smile.