Eyes bright, they ran up and down the beach, gathering rocks to toss in the water, and only paused when there was a crab, or perhaps a shell, to inspect. Emily and Aiden’s first trip to the ocean; they loved it. Justin and Susie kept up with them, also searching and skipping rocks, laughing and enjoying their time together.
It was last summer, shortly after my family’s camping trip at Whidbey Island that Susie and I connected. I love this story. Because there I was in BC, reading an email from Susie who lives in Kansas, about doing a photo shoot together in Washington. I had just blogged about camping, and Susie was searching for a photographer to get some documentary, family photos during their family vacation that was being planned for next June. Why Whidbey Island from as far away as Kansas? Susie’s husband Justin is a sailor in the Navy, and had spent time training there last year. Being deployed in the next year made getting their family vacation documented even more meaningful. After exhausting a day searching for a photographer, Susie threw up a prayer “Okay Lord, this is yours. Lead me.” And then she found me and we hit off over email and Facebook and books and photography and several months later, finally met in person!
We started in Coupeville at the Whyte’s rental home on the beach, under a few light raindrops…
These kids are CUTE!
…and then over to Deception Pass where we explored and the sun came through the clouds…
Wearing Dad’s fatigues…
Even when Justin is gone overseas, Susie keeps him close to her heart…
Susie, I’ve so enjoyed becoming friends and I’m so grateful that God connected us when he did and for the purpose that he did. You have such a fun, sweet family and Shane and I had a great time with you guys! Hope your drive home was painless and the next time you’re out…we’ll do a Twilight tour ;) xo M.
the whyte house says
oh, that last line had me laughing so hard! :) twilight tour, for sure! shane and justin can make fun of us along the way! :)
thank you so much for the photos! they are beautiful! the kids were looking at them with me and talking about things they did with you and shane. we truly appreciate you making the trip out!
Alanna says
Beautiful photos :) And what a beautiful story behind them
Nic says
I love this family session! The photos are amazing, plus I do love that beach. You captured the most beautiful, but natural shots!
Emily says
What a cool story Mikaela! I love the pictures, especially the shot of the kids running at the very end.