These guys make my heart ache with envy and happiness at the same time.How cute are those kiddos?

We don’t get a lot of sunny days here in the Northwest. So when we do get one, we are extremely grateful and embark on all sorts of celebratory activities, such as swimming or biking, hiking or even just a quiet evening stroll after supper.

After a full day of shooting, my family and I went for a little dip at a river in our town. There, we met our friends Alex and his family, pure coincidence. The sun was ambling slowly westward, its golden evening light making sparkles on the tranquil waters of the Snoqualmie River. Teenagers frolicked and soaked in the remaining rays. We sat and chatted and watched as our children built sandcastles and dams and pretended to fish.

I have many things to be grateful for, but today, I am most thankful for the longer days, where after a hard day’s work I am still able to make it home, throw on my flip-flops, gather my family and head on down to the beach to enjoy the sun.

And of course, to shoot purely for leisure.

Welcome to summer, my Northwest friends. We deserve it!

Janya was the very first client I ever had. Without any reservations, she took me up on my offer to take pictures of her baby boy. In a way, you could say Janya started it all, that first step I took towards taking pictures of other people’s children professionally.

That was almost two years ago, the summer of 2008. It makes me want to cry a little how time has flown.

Today, as I pulled up Jan’s driveway, there she stood, in all her bumpy glory, seven months along with #2. Baby Boy G is almost three, attached at the hip to daddy Nate.

Today, photographing Jan, I was reminded of the fragility – and miracle – of life. That one can never be too grateful for the many good things that one has, or how close one can come to losing everything without warning. I am not a religious person. I used to be. But I still believe in belief. That determination, hard work and inner strength can bring about miracles.

Thanks for letting me photograph your journey the second time around, Jan and Nate. I can’t wait to meet him.

Remember Ana, mom of Baby A?

She came by for some headshots today.

She has the most beautiful eyes.

Always thankful for a dry day here in Seattle, and what a beautiful morning it was for a shoot.

I photographed little E last year when I first started my business. How quickly these little ones grow. Today, we took a walk around their beautiful neighborhood, picking those pretty fall leaves. After that, chocolate chip pancakes were made and had, before sweet E showed me her beautiful room where mom and dad read a story together.

What a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Thanks Schusters!

For more family pictures, please visit my website at www.jennifertai.net.