It is hard to believe this adorable sweet girl is three years old already!! I remember putting her in a little basket and taking newborn photos of her like it was yesterday. Now she is running, talking and playing like a big girl. I loved the drive down to Goat Rock beach, as soon as Aubrry could see the waves she was saying “ocean ocean ocean” It was adorable!
I had so much fun capturing Aubreys personality and fun at the Sonoma Coast. If you are in the Russian River area or surrounding areas I would love to capture all your precious moments. Please contact me today to schedule your custom session.
Nothing says or should I say smells like summer in Sonoma County like the lavender fields. I have a love for lavender and even my first year in business I knew I wanted to utilize the unique opportunity we have locally to photograph people in the fields. I have visited a few different local farms around the county and all are lovely. Maybe I am a little biased now living in West Sonoma County but I have to say my favorite hands down is my recent find of Lynn’s Lavender & Lotsmore. This place is a gem like no other. The adorable gift shop (made entirely out of old doors), the vineyards and other flowers along with of course lots of lavender are heaven! However, what truly stole my heart was the owner Lynn, she is one of the the sweetest and kindest women I have ever met. She was so welcoming and willing to share her knowledge and her beautiful farm with me. I could honestly go on and on about Lynns farm but I think I will save that for it’s own post soon.
I was honored to be contacted by Jessica to do her family photos. I met her a few years back when her little gal Isla was just an infant and we did newborn photos, and then again for her first birthday party (which was totally adorable!!). It was great to finally have mom and dad officially in on a session too. The lavender fields at sunset brought the most gorgeous light. The setting was so peaceful and perfect for a family to play together and create some beautiful memories in. Here are a few of my favorites from their session.
Jessica and Eric have so much love for little Isla it was really beautiful to see and capture the bond they both have with their baby and as a family.
As the sun sank down the light became even more magical. These are the moments you treasure forever with your children.
Isla is one lucky gal and clearly the center of their whole world ♥♥.
Of course we have to have lots of silliness and fun when playing in the lavender fields. I loved this one of her with her hands up, you can’t tell me you all don’t feel that way come the end of your work week right?!
The award for the best big belly laugh goes to this pretty girl…
Family is not an important thing it is everything.
-Michael J. Fox
If you would like your own family photos taken here in the Russian River Valley (or surrounding area) contact me today. I would love to plan the perfect session for you. Also please stop by Lynns Lavender farm and check out all the amazing stuff she has to offer in her gift shop, be sure to tell her I sent you.
I will be honest I am not much of a camper. It is a lot of work to pack up and prepare for lack of everyday living essentials with a big family. So it really is not my idea of a vacation to say the least. My family however are all well seasoned campers who really love it so I tag along once and awhile. This year we went for mothers day weekend which also happened to be my youngest brothers birthday. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed myself on this trip. I think it is no coincidence that now both my brothers families and my parents all have campers which had room for myself and my boys lol. I am telling ya “glamping” is the way to go!
This is the view of the cove right at the campground. We had a blast exploring this area.Our first trip down into the cove.
My boys and I arrived on Saturday around lunch time. Everyone else had been there the day before. (remember I said I am not a camper lol) We dropped our stuff at the campsite and took off to the cove to explore. We had the whole place to ourselves, such a treat!
After we explored a bit we headed back to the campsite to find the rest of the family. The boys apparently got hungry and decided to roast up some hot dogs and marshmallows around the campfire.
Fun around the campfire!
It was not long before all the cousins were off and playing. Climbing and racing around the campground.
Climbing, riding and running free!
The kids all decided that we had to return to the cove as the tide went out so we went back down to explore together. They spent so much time down here having the most fun! They flipped over rock after rock each one just as exciting as the last. Lots of squeals and shouts of finding “the most crabs ever”, sea snails and anemones. They has buckets full of little crabs (released back into the areas they had been found when done of course).
Exploring the tide pools in the coveIf you ever want to entertain kids of all ages..tide pools!A few of the tiny crabs we found and a hermit crab
After all the tide pool exploring the kids were ready to head back to camp. They caught a ride with the guys coming back in the campground from a day of fishing. The kids apparently caught more than the fisherman this day 😉
Campground fun.
What is camping without an attempt to pop jiffy pop on the fire, right? Our first try was an epic fail but after a long wait and smoked filled eyes we managed to have success!
As the sun was getting close to setting we decided to explore the other side of the campground. Who would have known we were about to discover a scene out of a fairytale. We found the coolest area a little bit off the path full of trees that seemed to form an enchanting hut like play structure. Grown ups and kids alike all had so much fun here.The wood grew in all sorts of fun twisting and turning ways. One of my nieces even said it was like “Alice in Wonderland”.
Exploring the magical coastal treesBreathtaking what mother nature creates.Believe it or not this was the best photo I could get of all of them together haha!
After lots of fun we decided to head back to camp. We were lucky enough to find a special little lady bug on our way. Ladybugs are very special to our family so I had to include it.
We got back in time to watch the most amazing sunset right from our campsite.
Nothing better than an sunset over the ocean!
You would think after all this in one day these kids would be tired…but no such thing! Now it is time to attack the birthday boy! haha
After a good nights rest we were now ready to head down one last time to the cove for some fishing before we left. Grandpa was teaching the boys how to fish while the rest of us explored and collected beach treasures.
Wind Sailers had washed up all over the cove that morninganother peek at the coves tide pools
All in all I think it is safe to say a fun time was had by all! I can not wait to return, even if I am not a “camper” this was a blast and may have converted me. I highly recommend you go check out Ocean Cove if you ever need a place to camp on the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast. The place was well maintained, family friendly and the staff I met was very nice and helpful. If you are interested in having your own camping trip or vacation documented feel free to see more info here on documentary sessions. I would love to tag along and capture your family fun! Ready to schedule now? Click here
