The Things I Am Thankful For

This past week, I was able to go home to California to visit with my family over the Thanksgiving break. My grandparents had planned for us to visit with them in Lake Tahoe, in a gorgeous lodge in the skiing town of the Sierras.

I left Tuesday afternoon and drove from Rexburg, Idaho to Provo, Utah with my friends Tempe, Camille, and Preston.

After spending the evening with my brother Tyler and sister Alexa in Provo, we headed off across the desert of Nevada.

That night we arrived at our hotel, the Marriot Timber Lodge, which was absolutely beautiful. The next day, we decided to explore the area, and walked around a bit, taking in the cool mountain air.

After asking around a bit, we discovered that the beach at South Lake Tahoe was only about a five minute walk from our hotel, so we walked to the beach on that cold, overcast afternoon. It was a great way to spend the Thanksgiving holiday, and spend time together taking pictures on the lake.

Devin on the beach

Me, contemplating the mysteries of life (or something like that haha)

Devin taking pictures on the beach with my film camera

Sister and me

Alexa was my fashion model for the day. I had a lot of fun playing around, pretending to be a fashion photographer. It was great, and the photos turned out just like I wanted.

Tyler

Momma and dad

Grandpa Richard, displaying his Aggie pride

My little cousins collected pine cones on the beach and brought them home to decorate later.

The next day, my little brother Devin and I walked down by ourselves to the beach again and spent a while talking and just spending time together. I miss that kid when I'm away at school, so it was nice to have that time to talk about old memories and joke around with each other.

The next day, my family went to the beach again in the evening to have "family counsel" time. It was a beautiful sunset and a beautiful day, so of course I had to document it.

It was such a great week, spending time with my family and remembering all that I am thankful for. Most of all, I am so thankful for the many beauties of this earth, and the opportunity I have as a photographer to capture them every day. It was a week I will always remember.