Thanksgiving in Portland OR | Lifestyle Photography, Sammamish WA

What a fabulous place Portland, OR is.

"Portland, Oregon’s largest city, sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. It’s known for its parks, bridges and bicycle paths, as well as for its eco-friendliness and its microbreweries and coffeehouses. Iconic Washington Park encompasses sites from the formal Japanese Garden to Oregon Zoo and its railway. The city hosts thriving art, theater and music scenes."

While we did not have enough time to see all of the sites mentioned above, what we did get to experience and see was super cool and this town just beckons to be visited again and again.

We got lost at Powell's Book Store, enjoyed a day at the OMSI (including a Planetarium show and a tour of a submarine), we walked across the Tilikum Crossing, known as a Bridge of the People which is a cable-stayed bridge across the Willamette River. We enjoyed some super meals, coffees and beers - just as promised! The town has a very European feel and the sounds of the light rail take me straight back to Germany.

And just look at the glorious weather we had - it was cold but the blue sky compensated for that.

Portland, we will be back!

Going Green - | Family Photography, Sammamish WA

Just over a week ago my son was invited to take his Taekwando test for Green Belt. He was so excited because he had to work really hard to get his 'red stripe', which meant that he was cleared for testing. 

We are so proud of him for not giving up and for how he showed his tenacity and strength during these past few weeks, where he was so, so close to it. Well done my boy, I think you learned a very valuable lesson - hard work and dedication pay off - and never give up!

His test went well and he now has a shiny new GREEN belt!

Maternity Session | Family Photography, Issaquah WA

Last week I had the most blessed time with these folks. This is baby boy (yes boy!) number three due next week - yes we cut it fine but we made it.

We played at beautiful Pickering Barn in Issaquah, despite there being lots of trucks and people loading and unloading furniture into and out of the barn - but you'd never know from these serene pictures. Would you?

Thanks for letting me play with you guys Keri & Pete (& bump) - can't wait to meet the little guy soon!

He's 8!! | Family Photography, Sammamish WA

In late May a certain sweet young man turned 8, where did the time go? Eight!!!!

We celebrated his special day with a super fun Mad Science Birthday Party. 

The kids got to watch some really awesome experiments and learn about some cool chemical concepts and compounds (some of them had yucky faces!).

There was a little bit of magic, some electricity, warm stuff, cold stuff, glowing stuff, burning stuff, hydrophobic sand stuff and lightning in a jar. A rocket was launched (and promptly landed on the roof of the neighboring building - ooooops)! And the best came last - SLIME, SLIME AND MORE SLIME!!! 

The kids had a great time and the pictures show how engrossed they were. The faces are priceless!

Kevin, our scientist, did a really fantastic job (although he needs to practice that rocket landing) and after the party he gave us a demonstration of his BMW i3, which was so cool!

Thanks to all of the young friends who came to make it a memorable occasion, we hope you had fun!