The Barlow family is from my home town and because we had to cancel our shoot while I was in Oregon due to sickness, we rescheduled for when they were going to be out in Utah. Thanks to my trusty Otter Pop reward, we were able to get some smiles out of one very unhappy girl, and *surprise* Robyn, we actually got some of her smiling!
Last week, Isaac attended Camp Nah Nah Mah up Millcreek Canyon, a camp for burn survivors.
“This five day camp introduces children 6-12 years of age to the burn survivor world. Kids meet, talk, play, and live with other children their age. Kids learn canoeing, rock wall climbing, archery, and many other activities that promote self-esteem. Daily living with other survivors and counseling staff provides a safe environment for your child.”
Leaving our little boy for five days was a strange feeling, but we were assured they had been doing it for 12 years and he’d be just fine. I made him a photo book with pictures of the family in it for him to look at if got home sick. When we picked him up, he said that he loved looking at the pictures at night, and “sometimes they made him cry.” Melt my heart. He did just fine without us, aside from me having to throw away his underwear and socks that he did not change the entire time he was there. We are so grateful for the donations of others that make this camp available to kids. Isaac had an amazing time, and though we missed him terribly, we’re so glad for the friends he met, things he learned and to be associated with such a strong group of kids and families. Isaac is already talking about next year!
Aren’t they the cutest new family? I may be partial because they are my sister and brother-in-law, but really. They are headed off to Rhode Island for school at Brown University in a week, so we had a quick shoot at my favorite location (can you tell??) across the street. They hope to procure Emma Watson (Hermoine) who is also attending Brown University as a babysitter when they arrive. We’re going to miss them, especially that cute baby of theirs!
The Harding Family was in town visiting from New York and booked a family shoot with me. Angie is a good friend of my brother’s and we’ve known eachother since I was 19. She brought a picture of me from that time that was disturbing and I may have chucked it in the garbage. Bless their hearts, they had twins and then 18 months later, another little guy! Angie is pregnant with #4 and radiant. Their kids were darling and thoroughly enjoyed all the open space to run around. Thank for including me in your Utah trip Harding family!
Might as well keep up the family posts while I’m at it! While Geoff and my sister Laura’s husband went mountain biking, us girls kept the fort down. We all loved spending time with them, especially little Isla. It was so fun to have Laura here. She is so eager to help out in any way she can and over the years, she’s become a best friend and confidant. Love you Laura!
Some of you know him as Lucky or Virgil. I know him as Luke, my little brother. He’s kind and thoughtful to others, loves a good conversation, grows hair like it’s no one’s business, and is such a fun uncle. Love you Bookes.
Tomorrow one of my best friends leaves for three years. My brother Seth and his family are moving to Lusaka, Zambia. I am overwhelmed with sadness, but also with excitement for them and what the future holds. I will miss Seth’s contagious smile and shared sense of humor. I will miss Caroline’s inquisitive mind and sincerity. I will miss Tommy and his crazy antics, his cherubic face and seeing him pee just about anywhere. I will miss sweet baby Callie growing up from a baby to a toddler. Thank goodness for modern technology that will hopefully make the thousands of miles seem a little less daunting.
I love you Sherry Juniors, to Zambia and back.
