This last vacation was very special. We did a lot less running around and a lot more spending time with family. We still did a lot, but the quality of the doing was much more intentional. As with all of our vacations, our memories are spread across various memory cards and it takes time for me to sort them all out. I wanted to start the process with my favorite batch of photos-- an impromptu family session. This day included a lovely trip to the farmers market in the morning, lunch at one of my favorite cafes at noon and an afternoon by the Bitterroot River as a finale. I could contain myself no longer and had Sven help me drag all of my gear out of the car-- cameras, flashes, light stands, tripod, etc, etc. While not everyone from our immediate family was there (we missed you, Kelly!!!), there was enough of us in one spot that I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by. A 5-year old, 94-year old and all the ages in between enjoying time at the park?! Priceless. My family is not keen on my often-imposed sessions, but I was glad that the event held some level of cooperation. Capturing this moment in time with my family was the best almost-birthday gift ever!