Wrapping up 2006

It's nearing the end of another year. Denise and I had the chance to go over to my brother's house and there were some fun photo opps. I hadn't seen my Uncle Walt for some time and he just chatting with my Dad was great. Then Grant talking with Uncle Walt with drawings of the cousins in the background was timeless. Finally my brothers came around for a quick hand-held snap. (you can click on the image to make it bigger)

I want you to know from the bottom of my heart how special you all are that visit this blog. You have blessed me so much. Your words of encouragment in public and private have meant so much.

It's new for me to even attempt to write and share my feelings, but I realize how effective it can be because you really see who I am and what I am about. And I think it is much better than any "about" page can be.

Now I pray that God bless you and keep you safe.

Talk with soon!

r

Six months later

I photographed Jessie and Vince's wedding around 6 months ago, and after they moved back East we talked about getting together around Christmas if they weren't too busy. Vince is a complete amazing stud in the Special Forces and is training for a medic position. He still has about another year to go and the training is exhaustive. Personally I feel a lot safer knowing that we have people like Vince that are stable, compassionate and not self-seeking...and are willing to lay it on the line to protect us at all costs.

















His wife Jessie is one of the sweetest young ladies you will ever meet. I wish I could clone here. Beautiful on the inside and out and just a joy to be around. I honestly cannot say enough kind words about her. But I can honestly say she is one of the most special people I have ever met.

So, this morning we got together at Starbucks and had coffee and just got to talk for a couple of hours. Vince was off protecting the northern border (actually snowboarding on the 135 inches of snow at Mt Baker - lucky dog).

Jessie shared with me that she was so glad to get her Fine Art album and how the investment was so worth it. Of course as the photographer I love to hear that. She said "you know it's the only thing that lasts...the cake is gone, the flowers gone but the pictures last." Yep...she is right. But I understand the people put priorities in different areas.

And on behalf of Vince and Jessie would you consider to pray for our servicemen?

Thanks!

r

Thankful

Some people here in Seattle are still bummed out that we lost to San Diego. But I still think that we did well. Sure it was a real defeating feeling to loose in the last 29 seconds. After all this is our stadium...we never loose and comebacks are what we as a team/city/people are all about. It is amazing how quick we can change in our emotions.

Brad "Cannonball" Carter - photo by ronstorer























photo by Rod Mar Seattle Times



But there are bigger fish to fry.

Listening to Matt Hasselbeck on the radio he said that this one really hurts, but with people out of power when they are used to having power it's a bit rough.

So, being thankful goes a long way.

Me I am thankful for a lot of things. But right now I am happy for my wife. I wish that everyone could have a faithful friend like her.

Christmas Eve 2006

We decided as a family to go the Seahawks game instead of exchanging gifts this year. And although we didn't win we had an awesome time. We took my father who had never been to a Professional football game for the very first time, so it made for a wonderful memory. I also scooted along for a good quarter taking pictures of some pretty special people that were just enjoying the game. Oh, and did I tell you it was cold and nasty! Well, actually everywhere except our seats which were nice and dry.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!


Grant gets his face painted before the game
















Me and my Dad at our first pro game together!

















Can you believe that my dad is 78 years old...what a stud!


















As Dad looks through the binoculars the relfection of Qwest Field shows in the glass

























I got a call from Jared and Carmen who I had just photographed their wedding last month and they were at the end zone

















Carmen and Jared having an awesome time in the end zone...what a cute couple!

















Bryon and Cassie sat behind us and were obviously in love.
























Brad "Cannonball" Carter shows off why he is part of the Pro Footballs Ultimate Fan Association.
























Trisha and Kathryn enjoy snuggling in the cold



















I don't know if this couple thought Seattle was going to win but they were trying to stay warm

















Santa promised me a win...but I think he was drinking.

















Christine and Jeremy on the south and windy wet side were crazy!

















Grant, Torey and Denise. I am so blessed with such an incredible family!

















Me and my honey...what an awesome wife!

Kodi Hunts for a Christmas Tree

A lot has happened over the past weeks that I will share with you later. But for now I will tell you that Denise and I took the family over to the Olympic Peninsula where there was still snow and went looking for a Christmas tree. Noble Fir is our favorite type and since they had a great price on them and there was snow we thought it would be great fun.



Jenny brought her new dog too...Kodi (short for Kodiakk) He is an Alaskan Klee Kai...and soooooo cute!
























Kodi walks on his first frozen pond.





















Kodi inspects the tree that he wants in his kennel.