St. Charles Canyon, Idaho

For as long as I can remember, my family made an annual trip to Bear Lake, it’s my happy place and I would go as far as to say it’s on my dream vacation list even though I’ve been there year after year! I have fantastic memories of playing on the beach, sleeping on Grandpa & Grandma’s table bed (the main dining table turns into a bed), or in the bunk above, memories of sand covering every inch of my body, and pure joy as we played in the lake. It was always a simple vacation, we may visit Minnetonka Cave, or Pickleville Playhouse while we were there, but we ALWAYS went to Bear Lake Pizza, and for some reason, we always stopped by a shake shop for a raspberry shake ;). It was paradise within a two-hour drive. Although, my Grandpa always gave me a hard time with how many bags I packed for a 2-4 day trip, how could I possibly choose between my oversized dog stuffy, my teddy bears, and all my other friends, so I usually brought them along…

A few years after Craig and I were married we started going each year with his side of the family too, and I love it just as much! I love the drive up St. Charles Canyon, I love the breakfasts- especially since I don’t have to cook, and love the days at the beach watching the kiddos grow up in the sand.

I’m not sure why we haven’t thought of it before, but this year I experienced a first! I took family pictures while camping. It was easy for me, I didn’t have to get all dolled up, but I will admit, I’m pretty impressed with the way the Richey’s were able to get ready and look as spectacular as they did! They started with a source of power, lost it halfway through- of course when it’s mom’s turn to get ready, drove 40 minutes down and back to get fuel for the generator, they were able to keep church clothes clean in an area where there’s more dirt, mud, and water than anything else, AND they made it in one piece with smiles. I’d say that deserves a standing ovation in and of itself, and that doesn’t even include getting the dogs to sit while we took a few with them too! We earned our dinner and desserts that night! I know I’ve said it a million times, but I guess here’s a million and one, I love looking at a picture, a snapshot frozen in time of one little moment, one little breath and experiencing the sounds, the feeling, basically that moment in time all over again. The water was running down the creek behind them, the sound of the leaves rustling ever so slightly, Logan giggling as I tipped over more than once, and plenty of hope for just that ‘one nice picture’ of the family together. Being a family is tough, learning to get along with each other, and meeting everyone’s needs is tough, but gosh it’s so rewarding, and moments like these make me grateful I get to play a small part in one. I love the memories, I love the relationships, the support, and the love that is felt constantly! 

I’m quite happy with how the session went, I’m grateful the kids put up with weird old me… I can’t even try to tell you how many times I felt like I was becoming one with the trees… thankfully, no injuries, and I think we kept everyone clean at the end of the day!

Jess & Paul, you did it! I’ll be seeing you next year, same time? 😉 Love you!
-Mikenna
XOXOXOXO

P.S If you are still hoping to squeeze in family pictures this year with me, you’ve got about six weeks, the next opportunity will likely be November!! Don’t wait!