Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Scenes From a Weekend // July 4th

This year I made a conscious effort to not get too caught up in trying to document this day with friends on the beach, even knowing I would be wanting to share photos here. Sometimes it starts to feel like the pressure to get enough home video, and photograph a holiday like this, like I like to, AND be present in the moments of it all threatens some of the quality of my day, and even our overall time together.

It was nice to sit back and enjoy the beach, and my baby and the boys as they ran wild around the beach with friends and families they've all grown up with. A holiday tradition we've clung to for nearly a decade now, and one we look forward to all year long.

Here, a few shots I did manage. Of a day I loved so much. Lots of pieces and people missing in many of them. My very favorite moments having passed before my eyes. Stuck in my head, escaping the lens.




Hope you all had a great and restful holiday weekend as well.

Xx
J

10 comments:

  1. What great memories for you and your family. I feel like we all get a little obsessed with documenting our memories instead of just absorbing and experiencing them. Glad you got to enjoy everything and be in the moment.

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    1. Right. especially on these kinds of holidays where you feel like you have to "get it all." It can be stressful and exhausting and the exact opposite of what your holiday hopes are. It is nice to break yourself from the documenting when you need it.

      And I was also fortunate to have a couple other friends snapping incredible photos too!

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  2. So fun to see! We have the same tradition, but on the Oregon coast, which can often be drizzly and foggy. This year was amazingly hot and sunny which made it extra special for us all. I tried to document it, but as you say, was too busy soaking it all in. Watching my boys romping on the beach and both of them suiting up and paddling out on a surf board for the first time!

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    1. we had a gray and drizzly holiday there on the beach a couple years back. But I loved it still.

      And, isn't it the best to see them paddling out and standing on the board? I'm so proud of Arlo. Kinda wish I could do the same.

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  3. I love the photo of you all! You guys make such a great family... One of my daughters was born on July 5th and we usually start the celebration day before. It's perfect because it is such a wonderful holiday to celebrate. For the longest time she was convinced that all the fireworks were because of her birthday. Yep, it gets harder and harder to snap the photos if you're trying to be a part of the party :)

    )

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    1. How sweet!

      My niece was born on the 3rd, so I know that goes.

      Love July birthdays :)

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  4. What beautiful photos! I was born in California but left when I was 6. I imagine my childhood was much like your pictures. I have lived on the east coast ever since. Please excuse me for asking this again, I asked on instagram: So in California it is legal to park/camp on the beaches in the parking lot? Or are you in a campground? Do you have to check in and pay a fee or just park yourself and set up camp? I just do not understand how this works. (and I am totally planning a cross country road trip for next summer, so this might come in handy for me. Though we will be in a regular truck with a tent~can you camp at the beaches wtih just a tent, or do you need to have a camper of some sort?)

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    1. There are a couple camp sites where you are able to camp on the sand - but they are very desirable so you have to book in advance. Where we stay, we park for the day (and until dark) on the sand but camp back at a site up the hill overlooking the cliffs by the ocean. OR, in rare cases when we don't have a campsite, we park in nearby parking lots until we can drive into line for the beach we like who's gates open at 5am. But typically, it's just a matter of booking campsites which cost anywhere from 20 - 65$ a night depending on the location.

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    2. Thank you so much for your response! Until I make it back west I will live vicariously through your photos....

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  5. You guys have too much fun down there in Southern California, almost makes me want to pack up my bags and move down to the sunshine! I'm so jealous, spending the 4th with both Kate and Ashley, how amazing!

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