Three quarters of a year old and so much has changed since her first day of life. Lately, she giggles, mimics sounds, gives kisses and even tries to walk. So much has changed since she was my helpless and cuddly new baby. She has a full personality and we love every minute that we spend with her.
The shores of Lake Michigan are a magical place for children to grow up. Each year, when winter’s chill has lifted, the beaches of Michigan become the center of summer memories. In each beach community, there is always a quaint ice cream shop, white sand, and usually a legendary lighthouse.
This beautiful girl is just twenty- four hours older than my daughter. She is so blessed to be able to spend her summers on the shores of Lake Michigan with her wonderful family. I know this little girl and mine will grow up to be great friends.
Reeds Lake is one of my absolute favorite spots in West Michigan. The residents of East Grand Rapids have built their picturesque community around the lake and I envy those who are able to enjoy the beauty of its shores each day.
This family of three was all smiles in the early morning even as the hot summer temperatures threatened to spoil the fun. This little guy is full of spirit and he is the clearly the light of his parents’ lives.
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city which exudes small town warmth and big city sophistication. I felt the heart of this city was the perfect spot to photograph this charismatic family of three. During this photo session, it was clear that this couple adore each other and their gorgeous daughter. I cannot wait to see what the future will bring this beautiful Grand Rapids family.
While I visited my hometown this summer, I had to the chance to photograph my cousin and her family at the Blandford Nature Center. She and her husband were high school sweethearts who now have a son who will soon be a high school sophmore and a daughter who is going into the seventh grade. They live the quintessential Midwestern family life by showing love for their children and compassion for others.
My cousin has always been a role model and a rock throughout my life. While growing up she taught me family recipes, helped me pick out dresses for school dances and even threw me a surprise sixteenth birthday party. I will forever be grateful for all that she has done for me and I am so lucky to have her in my life.
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Though I live in the Phoenix area now, I still crave Michigan summers. My daughter, husband and I just returned from an almost two week trip back to my hometown. My daughter got to spent time with her grandparents, meet her aunt and snuggle with many of my friends. She even got to meet her friend who was born just 24 hours before she was. We spent many days at the beach and my baby discovered grass and sand, both of which she is still unsure of.
I am not sure if it was the vivid green colors, the evenings spent in backyards with fireflies lighting the night, or the sting of the wind sprinkled with sand on the beach. This time, I truly understood what the girl who was lost in Oz meant when she said, “There’s no place like home….”
Wednesday night there was a huge dust storm that covered the Phoenix area. Right before the storm, I took some photographs of this beautiful family. The clouds provided the perfect background and we finished just as the first few raindrops touched the ground. It was a joy to watch the love that is shared between this sweet family and I am so glad that the storm did not spoil the evening. Hopefully, they don’t run into rain or dust on their upcoming trip to Disneyland.
This family’s first summer together has been memorable so far. Their baby has had her first swim, her first plane ride and her first family vacation. Since both of her parents are teachers, the family of three is fortunate enough to enjoy the whole summertime together. I can’t wait to watch this little one walk soon and to hear more stories about the memories they are building together.
Kristen just completed her Doctorate in Education with a focus in Leadership in Innovation from Arizona State University. Her work and dedication has paid off as she is embarking on her journey as a school administrator. Congratulations on earning your doctorate degree and on your new position!
Monday night I took some photographs of a Surprise family. I have never known two little boys who loved to have their picture taken so much! They were posing and smiling without direction from me. These two little guys were telling me what to photograph! This was truly a fun night and I cannot wait to share the rest of the images I took that night with this family.
Riddle Road Photography 