We met up with Titus, Kari and Tressa at the beautiful home of Karen and Ralph Munro. We were granted special privilege to spend a sunny afternoon hiking around and goofing off on their incredible property – acres and acres of land, alternating between forest and meadows, leading to the Mud Bay shore.  There is a current archaeological dig site on the property – where baskets and other artifacts dating back 500 years have been found preserved in the mud.

Titus’ dad created many artistic Tribal carvings during his life – and his very first one happened to be a Welcome Pole  that stands near the shore at the edge of the Munros’ property, so we were sure to get a couple images of Titus at the foot of his dad’s premier piece.

Titus is a baseball player – in fact his team was playing in the district tournament the day after our shoot.  Seems like art runs in the family – in August, he’ll be heading off to the Art Institute of Seattle to study culinary arts.  I asked what dish is his favorite to cook….in true ‘guy’ form he said, “MEAT” :-)

After we left the Munro property, we headed to Olympia for some shots from a different perspective….Titus’ easy laugh and up-for-anything style made the afternoon so fun – we all had a blast :)

Titus–these were just a few of our favorites–we can’t wait to show you the rest next week!

~Erin & Bill

Andy is an amazingly good looking guy (just ask him ;) and Jenn is a gorgeous blonde with the most incredible crystal-blue eyes.  Both came to Olympia by way of Italy – Jenn lived there last year and Andy for the last 3 years. They bumped into each other as they climbed off the bus at Fort Lewis – both Andy and Jenn are serving us all in the US Army – and the rest, as they say, is history.   After their chance meeting on that dark January evening they decided to go in search of something to eat, and once they got to know each other, they’ve rarely been apart since.

Andy is originally from Texas and Jenn from Massachusetts – so they decided it would be fun to explore downtown Olympia during their photo session.  It was pouring rain when we caught up to them on the boardwalk, so we all ducked into the Oyster House to warm up with a cocktail, hoping that the rain might pass – ha!  Even when we realized that the weather wasn’t about to change, Jenn and Andy were great sports about it – for them, moments together = good times, even if the sun is nowhere to be seen.

We had an awesome time touring downtown Oly and the waterfront with them. And along the way they were treated to a full-on western Washington springtime squall – complete with turn-the-umbrella-inside-out winds and those giant soak-ya-to-the-bone raindrops.  They just figured the photos would be proof to friends and family back home that they really did experience life in the Pacific Northwest :)

We soaked up the atmosphere and shared alot of laughs over dinner at the Water Street Cafe.  Andy is a guy with lots of great stories to tell – and Jenn does her best to ‘keep him honest’ ;)  I think it’s great that their ideas for the future include coming back to live in Olympia….cuz we enjoyed their company and we like it here, too :)  Once we finished our meal – and our clothes were mostly dry – it was time to head right back out into the elements for some fun evening shots.

Soggy and windblown, alotta people might have chosen to jet home to a hot shower and a cozy blanket, but not these two – the fountain challenged them as we walked past and they decided to jump right in! :)

One thing you can’t miss when you’re near these two is just how GIANT their love is – so powerful that you can almost feel it filling the air….they definitely make the most of every moment they spend together…which makes the near future somewhat bittersweet….Jenn’s next assignment has her leaving for Iraq within the coming weeks, and Andy’s duties have him headed to Iraq in the fall. It’s sure to be difficult to be apart, especially considering the potential dangers they both face – I was impressed by the confidence in their voices when they talk about their orders, and I can’t help but think that some of that comes from the strength of their connection and the support each gets from the other.

Thanks Andy and Jenn – we’ve so enjoyed every minute with you!  We respect and appreciate your commitment to serve on our behalf, and we wish you safe travels and speedy return – to each other and to Olympia…we look forward to catching up with you when you get back! :)

Erin & Bill