I’m bundled up in my favourite fall sweater today editing some photos from this summer and dreaming of the sand and not-so-warm Pacific Ocean between my toes. This is one of the most magical places for my family and we absolutely love to visit here each year regardless of the drive and hike. It is worth it!! As soon as we hit the sand, the dog starts to dig and the kids sprint to the rope swing.
And they swing, and swing, and swing…Even using Jedi mind powers to push the swing out further 😉
This year, my 11 year old took my camera and said, “You swing Mom! I got this!” I.had.a.ball. and had to bow after my uncharacteristically graceful dismount! I’ve taught her well, huh?!
Even the crazy dog wanted in on the action…I swear she thinks she’s human…
Finally, once everyone’s a little more pooped, we contemplate life, enjoy the beauty and have the waves chase us as the tide comes in and we prolong our departure…A PERFECT day indeed!
Until next time…
Shona xo
My baby. My littlest little is 8 and it seems like just yesterday he took his sweet old time to come into this world. But when he did, he was hungry and he hasn’t stopped saying, “I’m hungry” since! I’m truly afraid of what will happen when he’s 12!
He is kind and sensitive, stubborn as stink, but also super cuddly. He’s my wee man and I wish I could bottle what’s left of those cute chubby little cheeks as his face changes with those big front teeth… Sigh… This is 8.
Shona xo
How is she 11 already? How? 99.9% of the time, she’s a strong minded (insert stubborn) tomboy who won’t wear her hair down or take her hockey jersey and track pants off. I’m okay with that…especially when I see her look like this and I think, “Oh boy…we’re in trouble!”
She has taught me so much in her 11 years and continues to put me in my place when I need it. I’m truly thankful for that and love her to bits!!
Shona xo
Shona Reid is a lifestyle photographer serving the greater Edmonton area, specializing in photographing maternity, newborns, babies, children and family. Shona Reid Photography is located in St. Albert, Alberta and would be happy to discuss custom photography sessions with you.
This week has been heart wrenching to witness. Here are a few images that I captured around town and during the procession for Cst. David Wynn. Thousands of police, emergency personnel and military marched in his honour and participated in his full regimental funeral. It was incredible to see and I know this post doesn’t do the magnitude of the event justice, so I’ve included a link to CTV Edmonton’s coverage HERE.
I am so proud to be a citizen of such a caring community that is truly “united in light”. May your family, friends, Aux Cst. Bond, the rest of your watch and the detachment find comfort in each other and be able to heal in time. RIP Cst. Wynn. God speed.
Shona xo
Merry Christmas!
Shona xo
Happy Hallowe’en! It’s kind of grey and dark, but at least it’s not snowing! I present to you… Katniss & Spiderman!
And the award for “the world’s most pathetic Unicorn with a Princess riding on her back who doesn’t fit her costume even though it’s a large and she’s supposed to be a medium sized dog, but she’s 45 lbs and 7 months old” goes to… Cedar!
And yes, I’m fully aware that was a run on sentence 😉 Too many “fun sized” chocolate bars me thinks!
Shona xo
As I’m sure most of you are thinking, where did summer go?? It felt so so SO short this year!!
Getting the children sorted for school was extra fun as I felt like all I heard was, “I won’t wear that” or “Ewww pink?” and “These pants itch” etc. etc. Sonny boy has such round feet that he’s sporting the awesome socks with sandals look until we find another pair of shoes for him. The last ones lasted 2 seconds before he outgrew them! Gone are the days of cute back to school outfits…sigh…
Oh well…at least they’re healthy and happy. She’s even more happy (evidently by her portrait) because I had to stand on my tippy toes to take her picture. Gulp!
I miss them (not the fighting), but I think someone else is a little more confused by their prolonged absence!
I hope everyone’s first week goes well!
Shona xo
For more information about Children Photography in St. Albert, AB, please contact Shona Reid Photography. Shona Reid is a lifestyle photographer serving the greater Edmonton area, specializing in photographing maternity, newborns, babies, children and family.
This post is long overdue…Like almost 2 years overdue…
I had always wanted to go to Chicago as I had heard it was a fantastic city and well, ER was filmed there. Ya, I’m old. So when the opportunity to meet up with a bunch of photographer friends presented itself (all former attendees of the Pinkle Toes Workshop), I jumped on it as fast as possible!
Best.decision.ever.
These girls have become my lifeline in so many ways it’s not funny. We are trying to meet up yearly as we live all over the place (Leah in Dallas, Michele in Austin, Carol my fellow Canuck in Winnipeg, Heidi in St. Louis, Janie in Kansas, Minnette in Houston, Stacy in Preoria (central Illinois), Lena in New Jersey, Sarah in Methuen (outside of Boston) and sweet sweet MeeMaw…Michele’s Mom and former office manager). Since I moved to St. Albert I am sadly the furthest away…boo! Oh well, we talk almost daily and have subsequently met up in Cape Cod, Maine and are currently planning our next reunion for June <insert stupid happy grin here>.
Here’s a not so brief synopsis of our weekend in Chicago…
Day 1 saw lots of site seeing (I was giddy to go see the Chicago sign and the L Train where Dr. John Carter…aka Noah Wyle ran up before heading to the ER…okay, I’ll stop) and a stop into Trader Joes…since I’d never been to one before.
Day 2 started out with shopping (yup, a few of us bought a Tiffany’s “Bean” necklace), seeing some sights along Michigan Ave and PF Changs for a late lunch/snack/supper whatever!
Oh! And did I tell you we met and got our photo with Nick Jonas. Heck ya we did 😉 Can you say Cougar??
We then cleaned up and got ready for a photo session with some underprivileged teens who wrote essays on why they wanted to have their photographs taken. They were really sweet girls and taking photos at the Navy Pier was fan-freaking-tastic! None of those photos are included, but a bunch of us goofing off are 🙂
Yes, we road there in a limo, but it was cheaper for all of us to dog pile into the thing…
We took the little trolly back to the hotel and the restaurant where we had a late, but yummy dinner.
Then we pretended to sleep…
Day 3 began early… I thought the girls were nuts to want to go photograph “The Bean” at 7 in the morning (I had no idea what it was or why we were doing this), but I went with it and boy am I glad I did. Not only was the light beautiful, but the crowds of people shortly thereafter was nuts! Now I love watching movies where I can see Millennium Park and The Bean. So fun!
Later that day, we took a food tour that was fantastic! Everything from REAL Chicago style hotdogs to frozen hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows! It’s a good thing it was a walking tour through Wicker Park as well.
We had not so brilliantly made reservations for a late super at Sunda, but like troopers, we sucked it up (okay in) and went 🙂
After another late night it was time to go home…boo!
A fantastic weekend with fantastic friends! Makes me smile to relieve it and the best part is we made a photo book so that we all have each others different take on everything we saw them together. So very cool to see how everyone “sees” things!! And if you haven’t been to Chicago…go!
Shona xo
Not sure why, but January rolled around I just couldn’t stop with the pictures…which is REALLY strange as I was DYING for my 365 photography project to be over. I was done. Finished. Kaput.
Sucker!
So, I’m going a little easier on myself this year and not forcing it on days when I really don’t have anything. I’m being noncommittal on so many levels…ha! January was filled with warm temperatures (weird), old toys, new toys, new technology, old movies, outdoor activities, a lost tooth, eye checks, cousins and smoothies. Phew! I managed to squeeze out 22/31 days. Not great, but not bad either. Let’s face it. It’s DARK in January in St. Albert and the winter blues are less than motivating!!
I’m also doing an instagram project with a few amazing friends (Carol, Janie, Leah, Michele, Minnette, Stacy). They’re doing a 365 colour project…I said I’d commit to 52 (aka 1 a week), but I did 10 for January, so who knows what I’ll end up with?? January was white which was easy for Alberta, but so far I’m loving pink for February 🙂
Stay tuned for next month’s update!
Shona xo
PS My hair hasn’t suddenly gone grey…that’s frost! Buuuut I do now have some glasses for when I’m on the computer. Poop! 😉
Well, here it is. It was a labour of love in the end although one picture a day for 365 days in a row was sometimes awfully daunting. However, of all years this was the year to do it. Big changes, lots of things to record and a need to renew my love for the art.
Enjoy!
Shona xo
EDIT: To view each image individually, you can go to THIS page now and there is a slideshow 🙂