THE BULKLEY FAMILY | FAMILIES

THE BULKLEY FAMILY | FAMILIES

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I have to say, I’m beyond grateful for Facebook and Instagram. Thanks to these platforms, I’ve met so many amazing families, ones I probably would’ve never connected with otherwise! One such family is the Bulkley crew. Skye found me on Facebook a few years back, and even though we’ve only met up twice, I feel like we’ve been friends forever. There’s just something about her energy! I keep crossing my fingers that one day, she and her beautiful family will finally make the move up this way to Idaho! 

Now, I have a little confession to make—it’s no secret in my family that directions and I…well, we don’t get along. Remember that scene in Ferdinand when the Highland Bull tells Ferdinand his secret? He goes up to what he thinks is Ferdinand and whispers, “I can’t SEE very well… ssshhhh.” No one has noticed, right? Yeah, I totally relate to that guy, except for me, it’s all about navigation. So, just imagine me saying, “I can’t NAVIGATE very well… ssshhhh.” It’s a real struggle!

Let’s rewind to my first trip to visit Skye. We typed in the address, popped it into Google Maps, and voila—we made it! Smooth sailing. So naturally, when Skye sent me her address again for this shoot, I thought, “No problem! Been there, done that.” Well, in true pigeon fashion (because apparently, I’m not one), I ended up about 15 minutes in the wrong direction. Classic me.

There I was, sitting in the passenger seat, staring at Google Maps with hope, thinking maybe—just maybe—it would sort itself out. Meanwhile, my driver (aka my wonderful husband, who has an internal GPS that I could only dream of having) shook his head and said, “This is wrong.” His pigeon instincts kicked in, and he turned us around. And guess what? We made it!

As if the direction debacle wasn’t enough, our call wouldn’t go through when I tried to call Skye for help. Of course, because the Bulkley family is just that kind of amazing, Skye’s husband jumped on his motorcycle to come find us! Motorcycle hair for family pictures? Who cares! I think that’s what you pay the big bucks for, right?

But seriously, that’s the kind of people they are. Skye and her family care more about you than what’s convenient for them. It’s heartwarming and so rare. I adore their kids—they’re energetic, spunky, and have the most adorable posing ideas. Let’s just say I wasn’t short on heart-melting moments. At one point, I decided to demonstrate a fun ‘mermaid’ pose for them, only to sit down on a giant thistle! Yep, ouch. But let me tell you, the photos were totally worth it.

Skye, your family is pure gold. I know the last few years haven’t been the easiest, but I’m beyond grateful you took a chance on me! Here’s to hoping Idaho becomes your forever home soon. We’re all excited and hopeful for the day you’ll be just around the corner!

Bulkley Family, you’re the best!

-Mikenna

XOXOXOXO

 

MY GRANDMA NADA | PERSONAL

MY GRANDMA NADA | PERSONAL

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Pearls, Curls & Love  |  Southeastern Idaho  |  Mikenna Atkinson Photography

I have a strong love and admiration for Bear Lake – it’s been there since I was a kid. We would go every summer, sometimes twice, maybe even three times if we decided to go up just for the day. It’s a little slice of heaven I have always found joy and peace in. Even as a married adult, the first trip we plan is to Bear Lake with family. IT’S TRADITION! Lucky for me, I have both sides of the family now going each year! YAY!

Bear Lake is heaven, but unfortunately every destination has a weakness. Mother Nature, and man is she powerful! Have you ever heard of or experienced a Bear Lake storm? I hadn’t either but then this one trip…

The weather was beautiful, we arrived on time, and set up camp with ease. The one glitch was during the packing process, I grabbed Craig’s backpacking tent- also known as the dog house (since a dog is about all you could fit inside of it), instead of our nice regular 4-6 man tent. We laughed about it, but it gave us a good reason to snuggle. Oh the teasing we got from the rest of the family, but we did get the last laugh…

That first day was perfect, therapeutic even! I had been recovering from pneumonia, and at the time I didn’t know it but I was also pregnant with Mercedes, so that perfect day on the beach was just what the doctor ordered.

 

Second day rolls around and after another flawless afternoon on the beach, mom prepared an amazing chicken dinner complete with colorful veggies. As we sat down, we watched as the sky suddenly became gray and clouded over. In a matter of 3-5 minutes a rain storm complete with wind, thunder and lightning let loose. One minute we were happily smelling the mouthwatering dinner, the next we were frantically trying to get things covered, staked down and packed away. It was chaotic. Maybe it was just the hormones and lack of normal thinking processes, but for the first time in my life, I started hyperventilating.

Then there was Grandma Nada, calmly corralling my siblings into her trailer, and keeping them comforted in anyway she could. I must have looked like a hot mess because next thing I know, she had her hands around my waist and led me into the trailer as well. I was wet, but so was everyone else, but suddenly I felt myself being stripped down, and new clothes placed on my shivering body. Honestly I don’t think I really knew what was going on! Looking down at myself, I realized my Grandma had put me in a pair of her own shorts and a sweatshirt. She didn’t complain that her trailer had become a big wet & muddy mess, she just looked for ways to bring comfort and love to each of us. That’s the woman she always has been!

As a side note, and crazy enough, as quickly as the storm came it only stayed for 5 minutes. Unfortunately for us, lightning had struck a large tree in the campground, and dropped a LARGE limb right onto my parents tent, absolutely demolishing the poor thing. Lucky for us our little dog house was tiny enough it could literally be picked up by one person and moved out of the flash flooding that had taken place. All our supplies were just fine & stayed dry! As funny as it is to talk about now, the one thing that I will never forget is Grandma Nada’s love.

Grandma has always been the soft one! My younger brother Nate used to cry whenever it was time for him to clean his room. The only audible words being, “I WANT MY GRANDMA!” Guess who would show up to help little Nate clean? Yep! Grandma. I still don’t think she knows how to say the word ‘No.’

Grandma’s house was the place to be if you wanted to be treated like royalty. She would peel your apples, and slice them up by hand, put them in a cute little pale pink bowl, placed on a tray next to your personalized microwave macaroni and cheese cup and your choice of beverage on the side. If Grandpa was in the middle of watching a show, it didn’t matter. She would change the channel for us. If papa thought of protesting- which he knew better, she would give him a look and say “Derek.” Of course in a kind, but matter-of-fact way. It got the point across…Gosh I love her! It was almost fun to be sick in our home. If you were, you could be sure Grandma Nada would show up with an ice cream bucket of her homemade broccoli cheese soup, sprite, orange juice and popsicles. Again, a simple way she let you know she cared and loved you. Who does that!

Over the past few months I’ve realized I love food, I love treats, I love food. Did I mention I love food? I think apart of this is because of two people. My own mother, and my Grandma Nada. Grandma is a fantastic cook. I love her Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, homemade coleslaw, sprite marinaded pineapple, broccoli cheese soup, chicken divan, apple pie, the list goes on. Every Sunday we would go to Grandpa & Grandma’s house for dinner. It was something we looked forward to each week our own a special occasion, and you never had to worry if the licorice drawer would be empty- Grandma kept it stocked with Chocolate Licorice. There was no such thing as ‘too much.’

 

I love her for so many reasons! Grandma is such a classy lady, she curls her hair, and wears a string of pearls each week to church – I love it! I was given a string of pearls years back, and each time I get to wear them I feel classy just like her! Pearls & curls a recipe to a classy outfit. She is a beautiful lady! I am grateful to have a piece of her walking around my own home!

This sounds kind of silly, but the day I realized my daughter had my Grandma’s toes, I was so excited and proud! I’m sure you’re wondering what that means- I feel like most toenails are more of a square or rectangle shape but my daughter, like my Grandma have a round shape. It’s kind of fun to have a variety! I have to say it makes me smile whenever my daughter looks at her feet and says, “I love that I have your Grandma’s toes.” It’s kind of funny that she would even care! But it’s exciting for me to see my daughter sharing a piece of my grandma with me!

I may have this story wrong, but this is how I remember it…My Grandma had a Cedar chest at the bottom of her bed. She would let me look through it every once in a while, but there was this one item I fell in love with. A sage green silky blanket. It was my Aunt Susan’s. I must have seemed attached to it because Grandma made me one just like it. I am proud to say, I still have it! That blanket went everywhere with me. When I got married, I remember putting it on my pillow like I did every night, I LOVED the feel of the silk on my face…and then I looked over to see my new husband wondering what in the world I was doing! Yeah, that was a fun conversation to have. .. “Yes I am 19 years old, I still sleep with my baby blanket, it’s silky and I love it against my face”… The day my Grandma surprised me with the same blanket for my new baby girl, my heart couldn’t have held more love! Again, notice a pattern? Grandma Nada is always looking for ways to be a blessing, to let you know she loves you, and you are cared for. From the birthday cards that come in the mail, to the visits to my home- at least an hour away, to a beautifully prepared dinner, she always gives it her all.

ear Lake Idaho- Yes, yes that is my green silky blanket…

I love my Grandma Nada. She is a lady I love, I admire, and miss not having within 10 minutes of my home! I’m so grateful I’ve been able to grow up with her in my life. I’m grateful she always made time to love me.

-Mikenna

When Craig and I were dating, I must have talked about him regularly because Grandma asked me one day if I ‘really liked him.’ I said yes, and her response, “Well I need to meet this guy then!” When the time came, she did meet that guy. I will never forget her smiling at me and commenting, “He’s a keeper.” I was thrilled to have her approval. Craig still loves “HIS” Grandma Nada.

-Bountiful Temple | Bountiful, Utah

l love this picture. It’s just a small glimpse into the love and care Grandma gives those around her. Even on the crazy wedding day, here she is making sure Grandpa looks his best! I love looking through the pictures and seeing the two of them like always, holding hands.

WARNES FAMILY | FAMILIES

WARNES FAMILY | FAMILIES

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Grace , Idaho | Family Portraits | Mikenna Atkinson Photography | Southeastern Idaho Photographer 

I am lucky we’ve handpicked our ‘extra’ family members. Cassie (Nate’s wife) was his girlfriend in high school when we all fell in love with her. She was/is a hard worker, a farm girl, and acted like a second mom to her siblings. I remember watching Nate’s face as he talked on the phone. You could almost always peg when it was Cassie compared to anyone else. I’m also pretty sure he fell asleep on the phone several times, yet she still called. He left on his mission to D.C. she wrote him at least weekly, sent him packages of treats, and treated him like gold. She was still there waiting for him when the two years were up. Mercedes thought she should determine when they married, and ‘A Tuesday’ was her request. You can bet they followed that request. Six years and two babies later, I’m still grateful she came into our lives! Fun fact about Nate, he grew up telling us he would be a dump truck driver with a mustache. Well, he can drive a dump truck, and anything else that requires a CDL, he may not have a mustache, but he does have some hair on his chin. He will eat any and every cookie in sight, loves country music, does not have a Facebook or Instagram so he likes to steal mine to ‘educate himself’ on what is going on in the social world, but will drop everything for the sake of his family.

Nick. He and Megan had ‘unofficially’ been together during high school; at the very least, he was her best friend. There were even late nights he stuck around to help her with homework or chores. We still have a cookie sheet he scrubbed the word/name ‘Megan’ into…We were on ‘Team Nick’ when he headed for his mission. We should have had t-shirts made up with his face on them…Craig and I stayed up into the early morning hours the night before he came home, creating a ‘Welcome Home’ banner. We got to visit him that same night. Nick was always thoughtful and doting on Megan. I loved seeing her letters to him while he was gone; they’d be intricately decorated with calligraphy and little doodles that couldn’t have been more thoughtful. They’ve been married for four years and welcomed their first baby girl into the family this past April. Fun fact about Megan, she loves to bake. Sourdough, fine desserts, heck, recently she made crème brûlée, and her homemade pies are quite delicious! She has beautiful handwriting, and loves shopping at vintage/farmers markets.

Next up, Craig. You may know him, and yes, I may have handpicked him for our family…;) We knew each other when I entered Young Women’s (our church youth group for girls ages 12-18), he was always kind, but we didn’t date until he got home from his mission. After he spoke in our ward (church congregation), my mom asked if I’d like to date him. Nate was an instant fan. He enjoyed his truck and his deep voice and said he liked country music. What more could there be to love? After our first date, we talked daily, and this year, we celebrated our 12th Anniversary and 13 years of being together. Craig is a dedicated daddy and husband. He’s an Ohio State fan but has also proudly adopted BYU as his ‘backup team’- although he’s a more loyal fan than I am. You can count on him for a great cup of hot chocolate, getting me out of ironing a six-month pile of clothes, a killer bowl of Tikki Masala, Authentic Mexican Food, or a good ole American burger. He’s loyal and dependable. He looks tough, but snuggles from his kids melt him like a popsicle on a hot day. Even better, he’s mine. 

Since my other two siblings don’t have spouses, I think I should give you fun facts about them…Marina, she is starting her Masters degree this coming year, and she loves all the Korean bands? KPop I think is the official term, she is a fan girl, and loves to travel. If I had a sibling that travelled the world, it would be Marina. She loves the Asian culture, and loves being independent, although I think her two kitties wish she’d spend more time in Grace.  Nyler, well Nyler is a smiler. He patiently sits on the floor assembling Lego villages with my kids, and somehow keeps his cool. He loves to bake cakes- and he’s created quite the portfolio! He works hard, and loves all the sugary treats. He plans to go to dental school after his two year mission to Missouri(he leaves at the end of October). We will miss him like crazy. 

This family of mine is my happy place. I love spending hours with everyone in one room (or at least in the kitchen and living room), laughing, telling stories, teasing my mother- especially when she comes up with phrases like ‘I’m sweating like a fish!’, watching the kids with ‘their best friends’- cousins, and even watching Nyler and Marina give their all for their nieces and nephews. That doesn’t even mention watching my parents fulfill their role as Grandparents. The grandkids love them; they love to be chased around, tickled, and teased by Grandpa- they may even love the handful of gummy bears, Swedish fish, or ziplock baggy of chips and homemade cookies Papa loads them up with. They love snuggling with Grandma, scoping out her pantry, and helping her in the yard or feeding the chickens. They want to be with Papa and Grandma, and I love it. I love my siblings, I love their spouses, I love my parents, my husband, my kids, my nieces and nephews. I love this crazy family of mine. They are my happy place. Sometimes, we drive each other crazy, but most of the time, we LOVE like crazy.

-Mikenna
XOXOXO

THE SPENCER FAMILY | FAMILIES

THE SPENCER FAMILY | FAMILIES

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Grace, Idaho | Family Portraits | Mikenna Atkinson Photography | Southeastern Idaho Photographer 

 It’s been one of those years. Time seems like it’s gone by faster; there’s more to look back and reflect on. Memories, sounds, places, people, faces, I have difficulty keeping the passing time straight. As I sat and talked with TaNesha, we realized this was the third year in a row that I’d been able to take their family pictures. Three years doesn’t seem like much until I start thumbing through the old files. The girls are growing, Levi is getting older ;), and TaNesha just gets sweeter. I get to watch the girls change; their baby faces turn to little girl faces, and I can’t help but love them. I love their chatty conversations; I love their facial expressions; I love their personalities and independence. Even Gus, the family dog, seems to have put a few years on! 

But this week, especially, brought a reality check. The Spencer family and I met up for family pictures. I spent just a moment with them, chatting and enjoying their company. I learned how to put a cowgirl hat on and discovered Miss Berkeley does not like Trident Original gum (it’s too hot). The girls were bubbly as always, just like everything was normal, but three days later, it couldn’t be further from normal. 

On Sunday, I learned Miss Berkeley had been taken into surgery at Primary Children’s Hospital due to a brain tumor. Since then, her sweet mama has posted updates on her condition. I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around the whole situation. I’m devastated that this little spunk has to go through something so difficult this early. I’ve known people who have gone through different health-related challenges, and my heart goes out to them, but for some reason, this feels extra personal. My little curly, blonde-haired, blue-eyed buddy needs a few extra prayers. She’s a tough little cookie, but a little more heavenly help is always appreciated! 

Berkeley, I sure love your smile; I love watching you grow and take on this world. I love watching you help Aunt Jackie pull weeds and make yummy treats. I love YOU! To the rest of the family, Levi, TaNesha, and AuBree, I love each of you; thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, and sorry about all the dirt this year ;)! 

-Mikenna

XOXOXOXO

 P.S. If you’d like to get updates on Miss Berkeley, there is a Facebook group you can join, and a fundraiser going on to help meet the needs of this cute family. 

THE ANDERSON FAMILY | FAMILIES

THE ANDERSON FAMILY | FAMILIES

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Lava Hot Springs, Idaho | Extended Family Portraits | Mikenna Atkinson Photography | Southeastern Idaho Photographer 

 I’ve been told we visited Lava once or twice when I was a kid, but to be honest, I have no recollection of those adventures. Since moving to Idaho I have visited the Olympic pool about 10 times. Eight of those were for swimming lessons…I know it’s a little pathetic, I promise I will do better…when it’s less crowded…maybe. Although I will say, I actually do love to swim. I’m not a strong swimmer, but I thoroughly enjoy being in the water! Thankfully all the visitors to Lava this summer gave me the opportunity to meet a new family last minute and I’m so grateful I did!

Ashlee messaged me early in the week after an unfortunate/fortunate cancellation by the photographer they had planned on meeting with. But as I mentioned above, it was fortunate for me because I had the fantastic experience of meeting them!

The whole family- all 21 of them decided to meet up and take a little vacation getaway. I loved going on vacation with my cousins, and I still do. Each year we book our campground a YEAR in advance to make sure we can all camp together. I love it! Even booking a year in advance I can’t believe how hard it is to get a whole family together at the same time! On the Warnes side of my family, we have 17 people, and on the Atkinson/Switzer side, we have 19-20 (including our Grammy). Getting everyone together, healthy, happy, and available is always a trick. But I have to say, I love when everyone is together. Memories are made in those moments that I believe end up being ‘core memories’ (if you’re a lover of the movie ‘Inside Out’).

 The Anderson crew definitely has a fun group of cousins, from ‘tweens’ to babies, they all seem to get along with one another, and it was cute to see the older girls enjoy being ‘besties.’ These mamas have their hands full with all the busy babies! I can promise you one thing, you will NEVER regret getting a family picture of everyone together. There’s just something magical. There’s stress, there’s outfit coordination, there’s doing everyone’s hair just to turn around and do it again, and change the dirty shirt AGAIN, but when that moment is saved, it’s just special. I can’t really put it into words. That moment in time just melts my heart and I know from that moment on, those babies will continue to grow up, and the adults will continue to age.

 Anderson family, especially Ashlee, I know the moment your plans changed it was a bit of a panic, but I’m grateful you were willing to find a backup plan! Thank you for allowing me to meet your big family! Sorry about the mosquitos, and dirty knees (by the time we were done!)! I hope to see you and your cute family again in the future!

-Mikenna
XOXOXOX