Steamboat Springs Get-a-way

Last year we listened to one of those timeshare spiels and managed to walk away with just the free stay/gas/Olive Garden gift card we were promised on the initial pitch. One of our choices was Steamboat Springs, CO and since I had no idea where that was I looked it up and our decision was instantly made! Kind of a Park City of sorts (for all you locals) with beautiful mountains, local food, and friendly people!

First stop: Vernal, Utah temple. We arrived in time to attend an endowment session, which was great because we'd never been inside this particular temple. Beautiful!


I saw these clouds while were driving across eastern Utah and pulled the camera out. I was quite amazed at how beautiful the drive through the Uinta's was. LOVED it.

Waterfall in Steamboat Springs. It was a leisurely walk, but great for the afternoon after we arrived.



Taking this made me want a macro lens. As if I don't have enough on my wish list already. ;P


We spent a good 5+ hours mountain biking at the Steamboat Springs Resort. WAY fun. We debated about taking the lift (kind of $$, and c'mon? Did we want to be tourists?) but it was worth it. The extra 1000ft we climbed up from the top of the lift was so beautiful and earned the SWEET ride down! We were so bushed afterward that we ditched our planned 10 mile hike the next morning, and lazed around before seeing Harry Potter instead.




It's amazing the things you can do without kids around. Matinees (Transformers 2 & Harry Potter), dinner at 8pm, ice cream at 10pm. Our theme for the trip was how irresponsible could we possibly be (within limits of course;). Thanks for a great trip babes! I love you!

Madsen Family

I'm slow getting these up, but it's been a busy month. Thanks so much to my awesome friend Bev for helping me out with these. The tripod/timer combination is so overrated. :) Couldn't have done it without her!

Sneak-Sneak Preview

You know that feeling when you take a shot and you just know you are going to love it? This was one of those. More to come later!

Booking for September

I know it feels a little early, but fall will be here before you know it. July & August are booked, so I'm now accepting appointments for Sept/Oct/Nov. Time to plan ahead and start thinking about those family pictures! Contact me through my website to set your date!

Sandy & Jacob: Mount Timpanogas Temple

Such a beautiful, easy-going, and sweet couple! We lucked out with the weather at the temple. It was pouring rain early in the morning and then cleared up and we even got some sun, blue sky, and puffy clouds. Perfect! Unfortunately, the weather came back full-force that night, so they moved the reception indoors instead of risking the chance that their guests would get soaking wet out in the garden. It still turned out fabulous. Thanks you guys for letting me be a part of your day!

4th of July

I really do love this holiday. Especially now that we don't live on the University Ave parade route in Provo. Ahhhh....

We went camping with the Madsen side of the fam down by Nephi on the Nebo Scenic Loop. For all the camping I've done all over Utah, I'd never been there and it was beautiful!! Seriously. You need to camp there. There was plenty of games, food, hiking, and good times had by all!

Our first day rained on and off, but it made for great lighting. Andrew kept picking up rocks and then looking over at me before he threw them. I knew he was just waiting to get in trouble. hehehehe


Taking Vala (yes, she's named after a Stargate character ;) for a walk.


Uncle Josh taught Rachel how to play "War".


Dutch Oven lasagna, garlic cheese rolls, and raspberry cobbler. Mmmm...


This was the first year Rachel got to hike on her own. She's WAY too heavy for us to pack around. Would've broken my already seriously-in-trouble back. She did great though. I think we went about 3 miles round trip. I was so proud of her! Although- we did learn that hiking is no longer exercise (due to the pace & the length Rachel can handle). Anyone want to babysit so Sam & I can go book it on the trails? Oh- and aren't you jealous of how beautiful I look after camping for a few days? muuuhahahaha!





Hooray for hiking poles with camera mounts!


After unpacking & showering (hallelujah!) we met back up at our house for pizza, fireworks, and more games. We lit off a few before the kids went to bed. As you can see, it's still light outside, but they liked it!






My amazing grandparents!


After the kids went to bed, we lit off the rest and had a little fun with the camera.




ETA: This one was all Sam's idea! And he thinks he's not artistic... ;)

The Madsen Clan

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend (yup, my weekend is starting early. wohoo!!). I'll be spending it with these crazy people! Should be great times. See you on the flip side of the weekend!