Ohh Hello!

Adventure means to me taking those opportunities that come along in life. I currently have sore muscles, a sunburn and lots of happy memories of the past couple of weeks. Life is super full and I am really thankful for the opportunities that have come my way lately! I absolutely love variety and that is exactly what life has been handing me lately! From rock climbing to gardening, garden parties and plane trips to exploring and family time and even a photo shoot here and there! This weekend we are headed back to Walla Walls for a very special about to be 4 year old’s birthday party! I hear there will be a bounce house/water slide and I’m all in! As we are scrambling to keep up with everything happening in life Jeff and I are trying to prepare for a big trip next month (more below). 

But first here are just a few highlights from this past week.

 First Adventure this month – Climbing at Smith

I began rock climbing about 5 years ago. I try to climb every week down at The Source, a climbing gym in downtown Vancouver. Over the years I’ve had several opportunities to climb outside (which is way harder/scarier and super fun).  I’ve made some great friends along the way. Last week I was invited to climb with them out at Smith Rock. I have climbed there a few times before and was super excited about it. It was a lot of  fun as well as challenging. I’ll admit that I get nervous climbing outside.

There are a lot of trust issues that have to be dealt with. The most challenging part is trusting myself to calm down and pay attention to what I’m doing and believe in myself. It’s such an amazing high to reach the top! My hands hurt, it was hot and several times I felt like I just didn’t know what to do next as I tried to climb. But being patient with myself, listening to the guidance from friends below and persistence paid off in the end! 

I’m so thankful for opportunities like these! I am looking forward to many more!

Wisteria Party to Garden Party

Wisteria Chapter One

Many years ago (3 houses ago for us) A trellis was built and 4 Wisteria were planted. As the years past the Wisteria grew up and over the top and had the most stunning blossoms! Every Spring I told myself I should have some sort of dinner party under the Wisteria. So finally one year I did it! Of course Wisteria blooms whenever it feels like it and only lasts so long so planning a date that also landed on a day of good weather was tricky!  I had a table with 6 chairs so I invited 5 friends and we sat under the Wisteria and had a lovely time. I had no idea it would be our last spring in that home. The next spring I found myself in a new home, one without a Wisteria. It did have a Palm tree…. 

Palm Tree chapters

Personally I am a firm believer that Palm trees belong at the beach. I find them very odd and out of place here in the NW. Despite the lack of Wisteria the decision was made to continue what I had hoped would become a tradition and for the next 3 Springs I hosted a “Palmsteria” party. The one advantage of the Pal tree was I didn’t have to time things with it blooming. Spring weather around here is challenging enough to plan around!

Cherry Tree Chapter

Then once again (and the last time for a VERY long time!) we moved. Our new home includes a huge gorgeous Kwanzan Cherry tree in an amazing garden space. The garden also came with a massive picnic table! No longer do we have to limit it to 6!  So last year I asked my 5 friends to invite new friends and this year we had 12!  Of course with the Cherry tree I once again had to try to line up weather and cherry blossoms and everyone’s schedule. There was one day that would work and that was last week! Not only did we have beautiful cherry blossoms to look at we also had them fluttering down into our food! 

We have managed to make this work for 5 years now! I hope it continues for many more years!

Second Adventure – Trip to See Josh and Jocelyn

Last Thursday afternoon Jeff and I flew down to Ontario, CA. to spend the weekend with our son and daughter-in-law. We had a blast! They are the best hosts and had lots of fun planned for us! Our main excursions were to Joshua Tree National Park and Huntington Gardens. Both were spectacular!

We had a blast exploring Joshua Tree with them. We scrambled around on rocks, explored the Hall of Horrors and were amazed by the blooming cactus!  Our very full day was finished with a hike into an Oasis (a first for all of us) Once the sun set and we couldn’t see anymore Josh built us a  campfire and we roasted dogs and S’mores and enjoyed the stars. 

The next day was Mother’s Day. Josh and Jocelyn had more great plans for us. After a delicious homemade breakfast we were off to our next adventure. They had tickets for us all to tour Huntington Gardens. If you are ever in the Pasadena area this is a must see! The gardens are massive and varied and so very beautiful! There are also art museums and a library to tour. We spent most of the day exploring this amazing place!  I have never seen such an impressive garden! The variety was impressive! So many unique plants and everything was blooming! Such a great way to spend Mother’s Day! 

Here is a link to their website if your interested https://huntington.org/ 

Upcoming Adventure – UK and Ireland Bound

In just over 4 weeks Jeff and I are off to explore the British Isles! I am so excited!!!! I have had the opportunity to travel oversees several times. Most of the time with a passel of students and a very tight schedule. I am really looking forward to exploring the British Isle with Jeff this time! We have our route and lodging sorted out but other than that we plan to largely make it up as we go! I welcome any tips or suggestions! We will be in London, Edinburgh, Iverness, Belfast, Galway and Dublin and surrounding areas.  We plan to walk, bike, hike and enjoy every minute!

2 years ago Jeff and I finally made it to Yellowstone and we had the most amazing time! Our bear count was 20!! Click here to look back on some really cool pictures of that adventure https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/yellowstone-was-amazing-home-read-all-about-it-shelly-fry-photography

Cap and Gown Sessions!

Oh man graduation is getting super close for some of you! It is such an exciting time of life! I’d love to help you capture pictures of this years graduate in their cap and gown. Cap and Gown sessions are 20 min session. They are fast and fun and can include whoever you’d like! Want to include siblings, friends, parents, animals? Whatever we can squeeze into 20 min we can do! 

Cap and Gown session

• 20 min
• Online gallery will be emailed to you within a week of session
• Includes 3 images with option to purchase additional images 
• $150

Contact me today to get your session booked.

Thank you for stopping by!

Shelly