Going Home…
Seven years. That’s how long it’s been since I last went back to my hometown. The last time I was there was for my father’s funeral. It was a hard time — and honestly, it’s been too long.
My kids needed time with their grandma, so I booked the tickets. My youngest was only three when his grandpa died, so naturally, he doesn’t remember him. I think they would’ve enjoyed each other — I can picture them laughing together.
So when my youngest started calling my mom’s new husband “Grandpa,” it caught me off guard. At first, it was a little jarring. Over the next couple of days, I thought about it a lot. I felt sad that he never knew my dad, never knew where that part of him came from. I couldn’t see them sharing jokes, laughing together, or stories together.
But on the other hand, I get it. He’s looking for that connection — someone to be a grandfather figure on that side of the family. For him, it just felt right.
As we were leaving, I watched him give his new adopted grandpa a hug, step back, and look up into his eyes with a big, beaming smile. And it hit me: family, whether by blood or heart, is what matters.
When I look at the photos of my kids, their cousins, my mom, and her husband, it’s clear. Family is what it’s all about.
From Snow to Sun: Mother’s Day in Alaska
One minute it’s winter… and the next, it’s full-blown summer in Alaska. If you know, you know. There’s no in-between here—just straight-up snow boots to sandals overnight.
This Mother’s Day was simple but felt pretty perfect. We started the morning attending our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right here in beautiful Palmer, Alaska. It’s how we always begin our Sundays.
After church, we relaxed at home for a little while, just soaking in the calm. But then the sunshine called, and we answered. We walked down to the river and let the kids explore while we attempted a little swimming lesson (or possibly baptism?) with our mini-poodle. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t impressed. I’m not sure he’ll ever trust us again.
The kids, on the other hand, thrived. Give Alaska kids a glacial river and a sunbeam, and they’ll turn it into summer magic. They were having so much fun that we headed back home just long enough to grab swimsuits and snacks—then it was back to the water.
Let me say: Alaskan kids are built differently. That water was cold. Like, make-you-question-your-life-choices cold. I stayed on shore, in my Alaska sweatshirt, promising them that next time, I’ll join them. But let’s be honest—I’ll be ordering a wetsuit first. But I am looking forward to bringing my underwater camera with us.
And as I stood on the shore, camera in hand, I was happy. Photographing moments in a natural way, where I basically just watch and photograph, makes my heart sing. This kind of photography—the natural light, the unscripted joy, the real-life moments—is what fills me up. These aren’t posed, polished memories. They’re the kind you want to bottle up and keep forever. The kind your kids will look back on and say, "Remember when we swam in the river on Mother’s Day?"
This is the good stuff. The real stuff. And I’m so grateful I get to live it—and capture it.
Your family photography can look like this, too. I offer these sessions to my clients as well. Sometimes it can be challenging for a family to visualize how the photos would turn out for their own family. But I promise you, you will love the results. You have to trust me and the process. Are posed portraits beautiful, yes. I photograph them. But there is something so freeing and relaxing about being able to be you at a photoshoot. To love your family the way you do.
Dipnetting - Alaska Life
I’ll admit it – I don’t know why I love dipnetting. It’s one of those activities that’s just pure, unadulterated joy, and I can’t explain it in any other way. Maybe it's the simple thrill of it all, or perhaps it’s the way the community of people gathers along the beach, all of us working together with one common goal: to catch fish.
You're missing out if you've never been to a Kenai beach on a sunny day during the dipnetting season. Picture this: the water is glistening under the sun, the air is filled with the salty scent of the ocean, and everyone around is happily hauling in fish, laughing and shouting as they pull in one after another. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Of course, it’s not all pristine beaches and perfectly caught fish. The sand gets everywhere, no matter how careful you are, and if you’re standing in the water, fish guts tend to fly. It’s part of the process – part of the experience. Pooping seagulls are a constant, and there’s the occasional fish you didn’t quite land the way you wanted, but it’s all part of the charm. When you get a solid catch, and your net is full, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of success.
But let's be real — it's not always sunny, and dipnetting definitely has its tough days. On those freezing, overcast, rainy days, it can feel like the fun has been sucked right out of the experience. You’re cold, wet, and watching the rain beat down on the water. The fish are nowhere to be found, and you start questioning your life choices. But as soon as that sun breaks through and the fish start biting, all of that fades away. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that, no matter what, you’re part of something bigger. It's the heart of Alaskan living – gritty, raw, and yet, so rewarding.
For me, there’s no better way to spend a summer day than on the Kenai beach, dipnet in hand, a bright sun above, and the excitement of the catch filling the air. It’s more than just fishing. It’s about community, tradition, and the simple joy of getting out there and being part of the world around you.
As an Alaskan gal, I’ll take a sunny day on the beach with a dipnet in hand over anything else. It's not about what I catch – it’s about the experience, the people, and the moment. And on a day like that? There’s no place I’d rather be.
Colony High Swim Team
Another meet for Colony Swim Team! They did great, and some of them headed to state!!!
Colony High Dive Team
I spent a few hours photographing the Colony Dive Team at the Palmer pool, and it was a really enjoyable experience. I love using my underwater camera to capture the action as the divers perform their flips and twists. It's always fun to get into a good rhythm, adjust my shots, and work to get the perfect composition, though I definitely came close to swallowing more than a little pool water in the process! It was a great afternoon, and I’m always happy to capture moments like these. The kids were great to work with.
Dipnetting on the Kenai
We took a family trip down to Kenai, and let me tell you, it was an adventure! We went dipnetting, and it was so much fun—imagine standing knee-deep in the chilly water, trying to catch those big fish with nothing but a giant net. The kids had a blast. There is nothing better than pulling a salmon in! The catch was great, but wow, by the end of it, we were all wiped out. Our muscles were sore, and our feet were freezing, but the memories (and the fish!) were totally worth it. What a day!
Do I Really Need to Take Senior Photos?
Senior photos have become the norm, but this doesn’t mean you need to schedule a photo session if you don’t want to. Before you make a final decision, though, here are a few things to consider.
● You need to take a yearbook photo anyway. Yearbook photos are generally plain and boring, so why not take a photo you will actually like looking at and that truly represents who you are.
● The photo shoot is just for you. This might be one of the few times (or only time) you will be the sole center of attention during a photoshoot. Throughout your life, other people will generally always be part of your professional photo sessions, but your senior session is just for you. When you have a session with Windswept Studio we have a consultation where we brainstorm ideas. You can include a talent or sport like dancing or swimming. You might also want to include your pet. I am up for all of your ideas that will make the photos special to you. I’m also available to travel, so if there is somewhere special to you, lets see what we can work out.
● This is a major milestone. Your senior photos mark a massive milestone in your life, one that deserves to be celebrated. By not taking these photos, you might regret it later on in life when you want to reminisce on your high school days.
● You can use them at your graduation party. If you’re planning to have a graduation party, photos of your entire school career make for the perfect décor. The collection won’t be complete without photos from your senior year though. You can even use one of the photos to create your invite.
● They make for great gifts. Professional senior photos are the ideal gift for your parents and grandparents. They’re already proud and certainly wouldn’t mind being able to show you off in their home.
● It’s a fun experience. You can have your hair and makeup be professionally done, and then we spend a few hours exploring Alaska! If you’ve never had your photos taken by a professional, get ready to have a fun and positive experience. This is the ideal time to capture who you are in your senior year. Plus, you get to decide on your outfits, location, and the style of your photos. Your senior photos offer a fun and unique way to express yourself.
In the end, scheduling a senior photo session makes the most sense and once you see the results, you’ll be glad you did it.
Quick Tips to Help You Survive Your Senior Year
You’ll never experience anything quite like senior year. It’s one of your life's busiest and best times, but it can also be overwhelming. If senioritis is hitting you hard, here are a few things you can do to boost your mood and make your school days more enjoyable.
1. Make as Many Memories as Possible.
The last thing you want is to get to the end of your senior year, only to realize you don’t have any fun memories. You are busy, but this doesn’t mean you can’t make memories with the most important people. Participate in as many senior events as you can, including senior nights and prom. You can also arrange a senior photo session with your friends. These professional photos can accompany you to college and are a keepsake you can look back on, again and again, years from now. It can help you feel better when you are homesick.
2. Don’t Stay Couped Up Alone at Home.
Senior year can be a whirlwind of emotions. Many people want to stop putting effort into their relationships and friendships because everyone is moving away anyway. To survive your senior year, it’s so important to maintain your friendships and forge new ones. Just because you or your friends are moving away doesn’t mean you will lose touch. Plus, having the support of friends during a tough year can make all the difference to your overall experience.
3. Be Thankful for the Experience.
Gratitude has a powerful effect on your mind. Even when things get complicated, it’s important to be thankful for how far you have come and for all that lies ahead. You are about to close an important chapter and embark on a new adventure. If you are feeling particularly stressed and low on any given day, simply jot down 3 things you are thankful for and watch how quickly it lifts your mood.
Senioritis is a reality, but you will get through it. You will never get this year back again, so do everything you can to make the most of it.