Campbell River Grads Girlfriends.

I'm not talking about the kind that come and go, the kind that you're kinda/sorta friends with... I'm talking about the kind of friends that you'll hold a certain bond with until, forever.

For my lil sisters grad present I couldn't think of anything better than to put Kaylee and her pals in their grad dresses and let them loose in a field! I had a vision of just that a few years ago, and thought it would be a perfect way to commemorate the beauty of their friendship, and to wrap up their high school days together.

However, I didn't realize that I was going to well up with tears while watching them all out there in the field, laughing, twirling, hugging, and being 18. It was for a number or reasons but mainly because I can relate, we all can... when something we love... comes to an end. With everything in life being so impermanent, I find it incredibly beautiful to think that these girls, bursting with youth and joy, and excitement for what their futures hold, will be able to look back on these photos one day... and think about what an incredible time in their lives it was.

What I was witnessing through my camera lens last Sunday night, was that high school had just ended for these girls, who have grown up together, who have shared ice cream and tears together. They have endured memorable teachers, hysterically funny moments, concerts, and even formed an undefeated dodge ball team (well ok not undefeated). These girls have curled each others hair, spent hours obsessing about relationships (with fellas, with parents, with teachers) they've comforted each other during times of loss, and sadness. They've been each others best friends since grade seven... and now, high school is over. Just like they never thought it would be.

So with happy/sad tears in my eyes, I photographed them being friends, none really knowing where their lives will take them, or how near or far away. I saw them being so beautifully pure, and only hope that they are able to bring that same joy and passion for life with them always.

Ladies, may you always carry sunshine right along with you. I wish you nothing but joy. Campbell River Grads jumping in field

OH! The Places You'll Go!!!

I am coming back to earth. Slowly. After a very busy weekend.

The weekend began with my baby sisters graduation.

The same baby sister that I held for the first time two days before my 11th birthday. The same one I used to 'baby dance' in front of the fish tank to get her to stop crying, the same one I used to sing baby beluga to RELENTLESSLY in more efforts to quiet her active vocal chords.

She was born with a perfect diamond of peach fuzz on her forehead. She hated when I french braided her hair (which was often) She did not like car rides, she was my favorite side kick. She cried for a month, and ripped my heart out when I left to work with Princess Cruises. She is the most sensitive human being I know. She has the bluest eyes, the biggest heart and has incredible dance moves. She brings laughter, joy and life to all of those around her (when she has had enough sleep) and is my favorite 18 year old ever.

18. Graduating.

Her grad just made me cherish all of our 18 years of memories together, and look forward to many, many more.

I am incredibly grateful to see that my baby sister has grown into a wise, energized, comical, loving and kind human being (truth be known, she has been all of these things all along).

Congratulations Kaylee Marie! I love you more than anything. My baby Sis and I