Jessica Lemmons Photography Blog, Longview Washington (Wa.) photographer.

My friend and I decided to take a trip down to Cannon Beach with all of our kids (well most of them that is).  We figured we’d make an appearance on the beach and let the kids fly kites or something like that until they were frozen and then pack up and hit some candy shops.  We dressed warm (it was November after all) grabbed our kites, kids, blankets, sweatshirts, coats and wagon and headed out on the beach.  Once we got on the beach we realized that A. There was no wind so kites were out. B.  It was REALLY warm so sweatshirts were unnecessary.  And C.  The water looked really inviting to those kids.   So we all un-bundled ourselves and started playing.  I’ve never been to the Oregon Coast and had it 1. Not be windy, or 2.Be warm.  It was both.  At first it started out with “let’s just let the kids get their feet wet” and next thing we knew all of the older ones were soaking wet, laughing and having a great time.  Now I thought that once they were wet they would get cold, but no…it was really that warm.  They got out of the water, played in the sand for a good long time, got BACK in the water, played in the sand some more and then repeated it until the sand in their pants started to rub their legs raw at which point we finally decided it was time to pack on up and get those kiddos some dry (and un-sandy) clothes.   I think we were on the beach a good  3 or 4 hours which is also probably the longest amount of time I’ve ever spent on the Oregon coast as it’s always windy and cold out there…..this day was the first exception I’d ever seen and I loved it.

Olivia giving me her “Can I please get in the water????” look.

Tristen (being a typical 7-month old) had to taste the sand.

From that point forward it was a losing battle between me and sand.

Such a cute little sand monster! (and I think I went through a case of wipes on him)

The older boys all covered in sand from hours of road and sand castle building.

The 5-year-olds : No we didn’t let them get that far out without one of us close by – my friend is just out of the shot.  ;-)

All-in-all the beach was a huge success.  Dirty exhausted kids.  Worn out parents. And some super fun memories with photos to boot!

What a perfect day for a beautiful session!  The “H” family and I met up at the Kalama Park for a family session there and on the Columbia River beach.  I loved how their black and purple colors complemented the natural blues, greys and greens at the park.  (this family is a great example of what to wear for a session!).

A big thank you to the “H” family for having me as your photographer!  The rest of your photos will be finished soon!

j

At least I think so!

Saturdays off in the summertime are very rare for a photographer.  I happened to have blocked this one out months ago and we made sure to take full advantage of an entire day of “just family”.   It was really nice!

My husband (Bryce) got up early and took my son to the store to buy a new skateboard and helmet with his birthday money. Bryce spent the next couple hours at a school down the street from our house teaching Casey how to skateboard.  He called me a little later and asked me to come take some photos.  Of course I was more than happy to!  A few photos ended up turning into more of a mini-lifestyle photo shoot.  Capturing the kids time with their Dad today in photos reminded me again of why I fell in love with photography years ago.

They both worked with Olivia for a little bit too.

Last night while I was busy working Bryce and my son got a hold of some fake tattoos, which explains why my kids have body art all over them.  :-)

I met up with the “N” family last week for a family session out in Rose Valley.   Mrs “N” was my old neighbor from when I was a child.  We did the session out in the pasture that is in between her parents house and my parents old house.   I hadn’t been out there in years and couldn’t stop remembering all of the good times my siblings and I had growing up in some of these very spots that I was shooting in! 

When Mrs. N first contacted me and said she had 15 month old twins, I got nervous inside – 15 months is a tricky age to photograph no matter how great the kids are, but two of them….wow! But I’m pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised by these sweet little gals!  They were amazing the entire session and both of them gave me lots of adorable little smiles and giggles.  It was great!

A big thank you to the “N” family for having me as your photographer! I hope you enjoy your preview!

I met up with Miss “L” this last Saturday at the Lake here in Longview.  The spring sunshine was finally showing itself and I was so excited to finally be shooting in sunshine!   “L” did amazing for her session, she was full of adorable natural little smiles and giggles the whole time and I had so much fun just playing with her!   (Yeah….my job is to play with kids and make them laugh…….jealous?)  

Thank you “L” and family just for being so great!  I hope you enjoy the preview and the rest will be finished soon!