A summer of grilling, families, running, paddling, and reading…

Right in the heart of grilling season, the folks over at Ski’s Meat Market called me up for some promotional photos. They haven’t made them to their website yet, but are featured in ads and fliers.

I’ll be going back for a shoot with the cheese case next! 🙂
The Laudons, who I met through Trout Unlimited, celebrated their 50th anniversary this summer. They had us come over for family photos of the whole crew who flew in for the occasion. What a beautiful family!

Congratulations, Jim and Marilyn! 🙂
George (my beer-drinking-cycling-running friend) and I ran a little race over in the geographical center of Wisconsin- the Pittsville Heart and Sole race. It’s always a weeknight close to my absolute favorite holiday,, the 4th of July. Last year, it was so hot that I almost drowned in my own sweat, but this year was a pleasant five miles. All proceeds go to support this small town fire department. What’s not to love!

On the actual 4th, the Beggs family invited us over to their lake house for photos with their extended family. In a word? Granddaughters.

And as always, it wouldn’t be summer in Wisconsin without hearing the Mark Little Band on the chain while drinking Jameson.

Love you guys. Love dancing in a sundress, in the heat of the summer, to your music.
I usually give Lifest it’s own post, but I am not going to post a single photo from my camera this year. I was “promoted” to photo team supervisor this year, so I basically felt like a nervous mom…
“The pyrotechnics are starting, where is everyone?”
“Stay away from the flames!”
“Where are your earplugs?!”
“Are you drinking water? HAVE YOU PEED TODAY?”
I snagged one image off my phone for you guys to get a feel for where I was most of the time…

On the Saturday of Lifest, they host a 5K. You know I had to get in on that action. I even dragged B along for the ride.

…and, even though I’m sure you all think I won, I finished in the middle of the pack, and was greeted by the infamous Bill and Darrell!

A few days of shooting, a lot of friends, some great music and fellowship… And of course, selfies of me with my neck strap.

…and a table full of cameras.

Until next year… avoid sensor dust, my ninjagraphers.
I’d barely been home from Lifest for 24 hours before I found myself up at Cynthia’s charming bookstore in Wausau for a photo shoot with River District Theatre’s latest featured performer.

They are working on creating a brand new, super hip, NYC-style intimate venue. So cool.
And speaking of cool, I took off for a paddle on the chain and to practice all my kayaking tricks. Love the water. It heals every ill.

I make standing in that sea yak look easy 😉
Another quick trip up to Wausau to visit my Delta Omicron sister, Amanda, after surgery. Can you see the family resemblance?

I’m happy to report she is feeling better and healing well. Speaking of healing…
I ran some single track trails with my Oklahoma friend, Brandon. 10 miles, two skinned knees.

Those little scars are worth it 🙂
I couldn’t shove those sore knees of mine into waders, so I missed a TU work day with the DNR, but I stopped by to capture them all working hard 🙂

I was able to wrap up my knees and hide them under a long dress to shoot Ashley and William’s colorful northwoods wedding.

Congratulations, Mr. and. Mrs. McCarron!
One of the things I love about shooting weddings is being a part of this brand new family unit as it’s being created. Heidi and Maxx called me up to ask if I would be a part of their tradition with their “picture-in-a-picture” shoot. Basically, on their first anniversary, they had a picture taken of them holding their wedding photo. Then they framed that new image, and had me take a photo of them on their second anniversary, holding their first anniversary photo. So cool!

I couldn’t resist taking this beautiful couple to a perfectly dreamy spot.

Keep up the love, you two!
My best friend, Amy, was a star in a murder mystery dinner theatre. Brian and I headed up to see her perform, and eat steak, of course!

We practically wore the same dress!
Happy fifth birthday to our sweet nephew, Reid. He was present at our wedding, but probably couldn’t see or hear anything, since he was still inside my sister-in-law! 🙂 It’s amazing how time flies.

I’ll leave you with a few yoga photos- I am in the middle of doing a new series of group fitness photos for Adventure 212, and this is the class that I attend… I almost put down my camera and jumped in!

Namaste.

Miles this year: 327.85