Making Memories. That’s the very best part of being in a family. All the little parts that go into special moments – giggles, snuggles, new adventures, old traditions – they all add up to the lasting memories that everyone takes with them for the rest of their lives.
We have a pretty big family, by modern standards. We’ve maxed out the seating in our minivan and family trips usually max out our budget as well. But that doesn’t stop us from spending time together and making the most of it.
Our summer vacation trip, this year, was to spend the weekend at the home of our very good friends, Bryan and JoAnna. They have a beautiful house on Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh. Their huge backyard is perfect for entertaining: plenty of room to stretch out, a family-sized grill, and a dock for swimming and boating. We brought along our tents and sleeping bags and camped out in their back yard. The weather could not have been more perfect, only to be outdone by the amazing friendship we shared with them.
We don’t often get a chance to completely unplug – get away from phones, TVs, computers, and video games. But this weekend’s focus was on togetherness and relaxing. We ate great food, laid on the hammock, dipped our toes in the water, visited the farmer’s market, fished, and did I mention we ate great food?
I also indulged my love of film by leaving my digital camera at home, taking only my Canon AE-1Program with me. All these images were shot on 35mm film: Fuji Elite Chrome, Kodak Portra, and Kodak Ektar.
Gretchen Willis is a Portage Wisconsin family photographer, tween photographer, senior photographer, and event photographer serving Portage, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas including Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells, and Montello in Columbia County and Marquette County. Please “like” my facebook page so you can see my most current photography projects!