The past two weeks my best friend from childhood and her boyfriend have been visiting us from Germany. It has given us the needed push to have a “staycation,” to slow things down, enjoy the sunshine and the company of each other. We have been hitting up some of our favorite Seattle spots as well as exploring all the amazing outdoor adventures the great Northwest has to offer. We’ve climbed mountains, strolled along beaches, swam in crystal clear lakes and, best of all, eaten ourselves silly with delicious seafood and good wine. Our time together has helped remind me that it really is the simple things in life that bring such immense happiness.

Last weekend we headed over to Spokane for a wedding I was shooting (photos to come soon!). It also gave us the opportunity to spend some time with family, including my adorable niece Cozette. I am blessed to have five beautiful nieces (and one very handsome nephew!). Pat and I absolutely love spending time with all of them and they make us laugh to no end. So, while enjoying the dry Eastern Washington heat on Friday evening, I was able to snap a few frames of Cozette. She is one of the happiest, most inquisitive and expressive girls I’ve ever met. Her laugh is contagious and you can’t help but smile when you’re around her.

I have many sessions and weddings that I will blogging soon, now that our staycation is coming to a close. But for now, enjoy a few photos of the beautiful Cozette…