Six months have passed since life as we knew it came to a screeching halt here in Colorado and across much of the world. At times it’s hard to imagine that much time has really gone by with this new reality, and yet it sometimes seems like an eternity.

We couldn’t leave New York without visiting both Grandma’s, so back in the car and another six hours to Lake George. My photographer self couldn’t have been happier. If you have never been, Lake George needs to be on your list. It is the clearest, most gorgeous lake around. The best part, especially if you are coming from the icy mountain waters of Colorado like us, is that it is a wonderfully swimmable temperature too!

After months of sticking close to home, my family was more than ready for a change of scenery. This year our typical trip to grandma’s didn’t involve short four hour plane ride. In an attempt to keep our risks of transmitting COVID to our more at-risk family members, this year we hopped in the car for a slightly longer (26 hours!) trip. Both kids (and the dog) did great, and we all agreed that we would do it again.

My favorite kind of session ever! A “Day in the Life” session allows me to capture your family in the way that I capture my own. These sessions are different than a typical lifestyle photo shoot because I truly just hang out with your family and capture the day as it unfolds. There is no need to dress up or change your routine like a traditional photo session. I come right to your home where your usual jeans and bare feet are perfect. The photos created end up telling the story of your family during your current season of life through raw, authentic, documentary images.

We just wrapped up our annual trip to New York, which includes trips to see both my family and my in-laws on two really gorgeous lakes. I always find the change of scenery from our everyday so inspiring as a photographer that I often have to remind myself to balance being mom and being “photographer mom” or the “paparazzi” as my husband jokes. I try to live in the moment as best as I can while also having my camera handy to capture those moments that I want to preserve for my kids.

At last count I have 1,864 videos on my phone. 75% of them are of Hudson and Nora exploring the world and the rest are probably of Penny the Boxer wonder dog being her goofy self. But what happens next? Where do these video clips go? How will my kids access them as they get older? Will they just forever float in the “cloud”. I wish I had an answer to this question, but I really don’t.