Karmah & Katie

Life has a funny way of coming back around to you, you know?

Such is the case with Katie. As we were driving around looking for places to shoot her senior session last week - we were laughing about the fact that I've known her since before she was born.... which is cool but made me suddenly feel really old!

And there was such irony about all the circumstances that surrounded this shoot- all I could do was shake my head and laugh..... our connections, the locations, the people and time elapsed.... crazy stuff, you know?

It's kind of like I was just meant to know this girl. And to know her is to love her..... and with someone who is so effortlessly beautiful.... I mean really truly.... I've never seen more amazing skin- flawless- and a perfect spray of freckles..... (need I say more about the freckles?????? I LOVE them!) eyes that shimmer even in the dimmest light situations and huge bright smile....

You'd think that someone this pretty would perhaps have an attitude.... but she doesn't.

And you'd think that someone this pretty would be high maintenance.... but she's not.

In fact- and this was a first for me.... this girl kept the same outfit on for the entire shoot- and changed her favorite locations and used them as her accessories! We drove to 3 of the 4 corners of the planet that night- but it was well worth it!

I know this girl will go far- as she has angels watching over her..... Best of luck this year my dear! xoxo Didi

K-Fam Kountry

I think by now- most of you know that I hale from central Idaho- and you that you can take the girl out of the country but not the country out of the girl, right? It was sooooooo good to be home last week- I think I've spent too many years trying to get away to the big city- only to crave being back home in the country.... age/maturity have a funny way of helping to see things more clearly, huh?

Can I just say how much fun I had re-connecting with Kristi & Donnie and their gorgeous kids???? I've known Kristi (and her twin Misti) since we were 5 and we went to school with Donnie (who was a couple of years ahead of us) and all of his brothers & sisters all the way through GHS.

Kristi knew I'd be coming home for our 20 year class reunion (I know- 20 years... gasp, cough, wheeze...... ) over the 4th and asked if I'd shoot Branden's senior portraits while there. What a treat it was to meet their kids who are all grown up and GORGEOUS I might add. But I especially love that they wanted pix right there at home- where they live and work.... and we giggled as we slogged through the stock yard to the hay shed and around to the stalls... but it was worth it- I loved the lighting and texture we got there! So we snuck in a few family shots because, hey- I was there!

Branden is the epitome of sweet, handsome country boy- (I wanted to just put him in my pocket and take him with me to meet my niece- or save him for 10 years for my oldest- but I guess arranged marriages are out these days????) Just kidding- ok- not really.... maybe......He's handsome as can be, good athlete, smart, polite- has a job working for a neighboring rancher... really- for a 17 year old- he's got it together. Mom & dad have done a great job raising him right! (and coming from Idaho County folks- I'd expect nothing less!) K-fam- you rock and you hold the corner on beautiful- love ya! xoxo D

*and baby sis B- even makes a cow stall look amazing- THAT is a skill!!!*

*ladies.... don't drool too hard here.....*

Amazing Alex

Everyone- meet my niece Alexis... Alex- meet everyone!!!! Can you say stunner??????

You know- when I showed up to take Alex's senior portraits on Monday evening- I was blown away at how gorgeous and grown up she's gotten! She's always been a cutie.... but wow- clearly, I've been gone from home for far too long!!!!

This girl is on her way to Vet school- super smart- gifted with the 4 legged variety, a lifer in 4H and a trophy room to prove it! She rocks the drum line and leaves the boys drooling (tho she's far too modest to admit the last part- which- truly makes her all the more irresistible!) I know my older sis and brother-in-law are crazy proud of her- and it shows- she's a quiet rock star.

I know she'll set the world on it's ear this coming year as a senior- and in the coming years at university! Go get 'em girl- Auntie is super proud of you!!!! xoxo Di

*and yes- her eyes REALLY are THAT cool!!!!*

Brayden

Look who finally arrived!!!!! Baby Brayden is finally here!!!! I was so excited to meet him yesterday! Sadly I was out of town and not able to photograph his grand entrance as planned- but he's still very fresh- and just as cute as he can be!!! And speaking of cute- check out the absolutely fab knit-werks by my girl Fi Fi at Daydream Believer....... that snuggly sac and teddy bear hat- shut the front door! :) You can find out more about her here:

http://ibelieveindaydreams.blogspot.com/

So Fi Fi- thanks a million- the new props rock! And T-Fam.... you do great work- he's absolutely perfect! Much love! xoxo Didi

Reslient

Resilient.......

There's a word for ya....... it covers a broad range or products that are associated with everything from car bumpers to flooring to fabrics.... and often with kids.... And for a very good reason. Bumps, bruises, scrapes & falls- kids just have a way of usually coming out just fine.

Take Miss Farrah for instance. This sweet baby came to see me for her one year photos- and her first ever photo session today.... (no pressure here...) 'And why no sessions before this?' you ask.... and the answer is simple...... because this sweet girl has spent more time in the hospital than out- and has had probably about as many procedures as I've had birthdays. And yet- she is one of the the happiest, busiest little balls of energy you've ever seen! Resilient. I love that.

I'm sure it has a lot to do with her set of super cool, laid back and hip parents and a G'ma who is koo-koo-for coco-puffs crazy for her! She is loved and she radiates that.

I had such a great time meeting the P family- I look forward to watching this little one blossom!
xoox Didi V~

2010 Komen Race for the Cure Seattle

June 6th, 2010
Seattle Center- Seattle, WA
Susan G. Komen's RACE FOR THE CURE

I can't even tell you how my heart sank Sunday morning when I rose (at an un-Godly hour for a Sunday) to what can only be described as miserable drizzle...

I have been planning and fundraising for this day for months.... and it was going to end on a wet, wet day.... But- the rain didn't dampen our spirits- my smart phone and doorbell began ringing and binging off the hook at 7:15AM! Friends pulling up to the driveway or pouring into my kitchen- all ready and rearing to go. (have I mentioned I'm blessed with some of the most amazing circle of friends ever???? Seriously- they are the BEST!!!!!)

It turned into a game of hurry up and wait tho- as I5 traffic was a bit heavy considering the amount of rain and water on the roads... . Once we exited Mercer tho- it was a traffic debacle.... at the over pass as you are heading up Mercer- it was merged into one lane for construction... (I'd personally like to thank the City of Seattle for this genius move in planning....) and everyone who was headed for the 5k family walk- was all pretty much headed for the same parking garage on 3rd & Mercer.... (which is by the way- pretty swank for a silly parking garage...).

Once we located each other via cell phone... we headed up top and up Harrison and the fountain.... and a mile long line for the bathrooms for the kids before we started. Once we had found the remaining members of Team Miracle Miles- we headed for the start line.

Now if any of you have ever done this event- we're doing the 5k walk- which is more like a crawl- as you and 12,999 other folks- are trying to politely not flat tire each other- and stay with your group as a few rude rogue walkers and wanna be joggers and Johnny Come Lately scramble to find their groups- by stepping on you.... But soon that gives way to smiles and in spite of the pouring rain- laughter.... The announcers yell out team names- some are sentimental- others are bawdy- but all here, are walking in support or memory of someone dear to them.

Our team all walk for someone (or multiple someones) that are dear to them. Hence why I tried my hand at designing our own team T's this year. I wanted to be able to show onlookers the beautiful faces of the women we were walking for. It seems it was a hit- and I'm so glad. :)

Our team name, Team Miracle Miles comes from a conversation I had with my dear friend Nan Sarb about 5 years ago. She said she while she was going through chemo and radiation for her ACC (Adenoid Cystic Sarcoma) that she wanted to be known as MIRACLE NAN, she wanted to be the one who beat her exceedingly rare form of breast cancer- but, unfortunately, even after mastectomy and a battery of surgeries and treatment, it finally spread to her lungs and bones. We lost her physical presence- but her spirit and love lives on in us, the Miles Family.... and Team Miracle Miles. I'm blessed with friends and family who support my need to want to help others and honor my friend.

I am also blessed that I have so many women who've beaten it- who are looking back from this side- and shaking their fist- saying, 'not this time cancer- not this time!!!!'

And so for these women- and my friends, and my daughters and myself.......I will continue to walk every single year..... until we find a cure. :) Then- I'll just shake my ass in the streets and do a little dance of praise!

Thank you again- to all who supported our team- whether it was walking with me, financial donations or thoughts, prayers and kind words.... I love you & thank you. As Nan used to sign all of her correspondence:

Do small things with love....

Much love- Didi

Rainy day post

Just in case everyone thought I had fallen off the planet.... I assure you, I have not- I've just been swamped with work, editing, company, sports and volunteering and fundraising. This is a huge busy weekend and then- things should level back out again. For those of you waiting photos- I appreciate your patience- the end result will be worth it- promise! :)

I leave you with a couple of shots from last week- when the girls convinced me to flat iron their hair (no small task I might add..) and give them a trim. I personally love their curls just the way they are.. but they love having it 'like everyone else's...' of course it was damp and rainy out- so it lasted all of about 15 minutes before it curled right back up. :)

And they look so much older with it straight.... :( not so sure I like that at ALL......

Hope you all have a great weekend! xoxo D