Category Archives: about us

FAT55

Its been a while since I’ve been inspired to pick up my camera gear and get out and shoot…but when my husband and his friend entered the FAT55 race and asked us to come along–I charged up my camera battery! The FAT55 is a 55 mile mountain bike race that takes place in Oakridge, Oregon. Oakridge is a small town in the middle of the Willamette Forest…with the trees, mountains and fog just begging to be photographed.

Don’t let the photos fool you…the race is 55 miles of technical and challenging trails…but being 6 months pregnant…I stuck to the lower areas to take photos. My husband finished the race successfully–with all his bones intact! And of course my son thought this was a pretty awesome day…his new word, “COOL!”

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Oh Canada!

Always so much memory making when back home in Saskatchewan.  Boat races in the stream, swimming and story telling over the fire.  Snake/frog/moose hunting, valley exploration and food (pizza pops), food (Old Dutch chips), and food (fish head soup)!  And it wouldn’t be a trip to the Petays house without a boom and something flying through the air.    instagram2

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AND this happened!!  Our large family is hard to get together all at one time much less convince everyone to pose for a family picture!  When planning our trip home it didn’t look as though we’d all overlap at any point.  So this actually wasn’t suppose to happen but here we all are…together for a couple of hours AND making time for a family photograph!

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Noah turns 8

This has been a year to remember for my little animal lover.  Because of our move to the ‘country’ Noah has went from one pet to…let’s just say, many pets.  Nothing could make him happier than his animals.  Here’s his annual Q and A for this year!  I couldn’t help but notice how much more serious he was answering his questions this year…yep, he’s growing up! 

What are you going to be when you grow up?  Animal scientist

What is your favorite subject at school? Science

What is your favorite animal?  Cheetah

How many pets do you have right now?  22

What is your least favorite chore?  Cleaning up my room

What’s the latest you’ve ever stayed up?  9:41pm

Do you have a crush on someone?  Yes

What are you looking for in a girl?  A soft heart and who loves God (well, that was a little deeper than I was expecting!)

What if your girlfriend doesn’t like animals?  I guess I’d always have to go to her house

How many children do you want?  2, a boy and a girl

Do you wish your family was bigger?  No

Where are you going to live when you grow up?  In the woods or mountains

What is your favorite joke?  What did the wrestler drink at the party?  Punch!

Use one word to describe yourself.  Silly

'german shepherd with boy'

'boy with cat'

'silkie chick'

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For his 8 year birthday Noah decided he wanted a birthday party like his brother Simon.  A party at the house with some friends… except with a Skylanders theme. Sounds simple enough, right?  But for those who don’t know what Skylanders are(and I didn’t)it’s a relatively new video game.  New enough I found out that there were no party supplies to be found.    Luckily Pinterest had a few ideas out there to copy;)  Halfway through decorating he had the nerve to ask when I was going to start decorating for his party!  Whoa!  Next year it’ll be Chuck e Cheese for these boys!
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'skylander birthday cake'

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'chompies truffles'

'smashed sheep'

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'skylander scavenger hunt'
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Better when we are together


Melissa and I love anytime that we can get together and collaborate on a photoshoot…as our sisters and friends know all too well! We work well together and are often able to come up with themes and fun shoots that we would never conceivably create on our own. This summer we are planning on coming home to Saskatchewan for a few weeks and we have already had a few people asking us if it would be possible for us to do a photo session for them. This is exciting for us because it is a great opportunity for us to work together and get creative (and we are hoping our sisters are willing to babysit!!!). The plan is to come in  July – we hope to have exact dates in the next few weeks-so if you or your family are looking to have some great teen/family/couple photos done–hit us up with an email and we can let you know more details!

Our families got together over American Thanksgiving…and here are few shots of us!


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The 45th day of the year!

February 14…. How can you hate a holiday where everything is pink and sparkly!? Personally, I love it! I embrace all the shiny balloon hearts, I smile at all the cheesy teddy bears and jam out to all the Justin Bieber singing Valentines Day cards! And of course  I was excited to dress my son up, head out and do a photo shoot. Here he is…doing his best to attract the ladies;)

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