Niki Flynn Photography

It’s {was} September, and back to school.  Back to a routine.  Early bedtimes.  Programs starting up.  New schedules.  This year our routine changed a lot however, as the littlest Flynn started school!  Full day Kindergarten for our little Thomas, and he is absolutely LOVING it!  I was amazed though at how quickly he got into it.  The first day of school Andy and I always walk with the boys.  It goes a little something like this… Everyone eats their breakfast, and is wearing their brand new-too big for me- clothes.  Backpacks have a yummy snack.  School supplies stuffed inside.  Daddy and the boys waiting outside for Mommy to get the camera.  Mommy trying to get the perfect ‘first day of school’ photo.  Kiddos too excited to sit still for said photo.  Daddy telling Mommy that we’re going to be late.  All five of us walking to school… quickly now, because of the impromptu photo shoot that didn’t quite go as planned.  Mommy running behind her boys, snapping away with the point and shoot.  It’s quite funny actually, how every year since Owen started Kindergarten, the first day of school is exactly the same.  Except this year, when Andy and I walked home alone.

Thomas settled right in, and the first full day of school, he ran down the staris waving at me and yelling, “See you after school!”  He didn’t need me to stand with him in the lineup.  The first day.  But, I needed to stand with him in the lineup.  The first day. (and maybe even for the first week).  Because my baby was in school now.  But, he’s a super-big-boy, and I am so proud of him for that.  His two big brothers taught him so well, and Owen and Sean make me so proud too.  I know that Thomas knows that he’s got Owen and Seany there, and that because of that, he feels safe and comfortable at school.  I love watching the relationship that the three of them have… watching it change as they grow up.  It’s pretty cool! 

We went away to Courtenay for a few days at the end of the month and had a very funny -can you believe that just happened- morning while driving through Crown Isle.  Laughable.  Pokemon cards flying on a very windy day as we were cleaning out the carseat with a small boy who’s breakfast was now on his pants and his pants were now in a plastic bag and his big brothers were running down the road chasing the cards.  Makes me giggle just thinking about it.  We also spent some time at the property cleaning up the house listening to music - cause that always makes ya work faster - and then when we tried to leave, the battery in the van was dead.  We pushed the van to the end of the driveway, hoping that a kind person would drive by and stop for the crazy Flynnies.  Someone did, thank goodness, and we laughed about it all the way home.

September was fun for so many reasons.  Swimming lessons started.  Hotel sleep overs with stuffed crust pizza and a swim in the pool.  Waterslide too.  A new buddy named Beetley, and another one we like to call Shiny.  Watching ‘Pick a Puppy’ trying to figure out exactly what kind of dog will join our little family.  Walls went up and bedrooms were made.  The earth shook, and we all felt it.  Daddy worked on the house, and we drew pictures of what it looked like.  Spent time in door stores, floor stores, and bathtub stores too.  We got ‘smiley cookies’ and were silly together in our yard.  We’re all settling into our new routine, and are excited about all that we’ve got going on.

While I realize that Summer 2011 is long gone… the crazy-busyness that has occupied our lives overtook everything.  Now that things are slowing down a bit, documenting our lives will continue.  Thank goodness for that!   :)

So, it was a busy summer.  What?  You don’t believe me?  I’m sitting here blogging July, August, (and then September and October) in November!  No wait… now it’s December. (or April… whatever.)  Yikes!   I am not sure where the time went, but I know it was an exciting, fun filled summer that we absoltely loved.  So much happened, so many new things.  So many road trips, both short and cute and long and (at moments) ugly…. Okay, not so ugly, but there was a moment in our very long-27-hours-straight-in-the-car roadtrip - not kidding - where I was done.  DONE!  The kiddos were absolutely perfect - never made a peep - slept a good chunk of the way - and we are so proud of them for it.  They LOVE a good road trip.  However, after being in the car for 23-hours of our 27-hour trip - we got stopped for construction - and sat still on the road for an hour.  TWICE!!  So close to our destination - yet SO FAR!!!  ‘Cause, you know you can’t get any closer when you are sitting on the road.  Stopped.  Still.  Motionless.  Not moving.  For an hour.  TWICE!!!  It was a great trip - we all love a road trip, and we had a fabulous (but very quick visit) in northern Alberta with our Nova Scotia family.

We have always dreamed of something and this summer, we were able to see our dream begin to come to fruition.  We spent lots of time at a new, very special place in the Comox Valley this summer.  We purchased a piece of property, and started building a house!  So many exciting things about this, but with the excitement comes some sadness.  We LOVE Gold River.  I have lived here longer than I have ever lived anywhere - ever in my life, and so many things about this community make it so hard to even think about leaving.  It’s a great little spot that we are so thankful to have spent the last 11 years (for me) and 17 years (Andy), and we will miss it dearly.  But, sometimes change is good, and more than anything, we are excited to finally be together again. every day. as a family.  The boys and I have missed Andy like crazy while he has been working away for the past 2 years.  We can’t wait to have supper together every single night, and not be sad on Monday mornings when Daddy leaves.  Even though it will be sad, and hard to leave a community we love so much, our family is excited.  For new beginnings.  To have chickens (maybe).  And, to be together again.

July brought a fantastic Canada Day celebration with many, many people we love.  This year we all headed over for dinner and had a table for 22 - 14 of which were kiddos 9 and under (and you would have never known… those kids were amazing!)  A bag full of glow sticks, and random people coming over to get some sure made us laugh.  As did the goof who fell off the rocks right in front of us… thank goodness he didn’t squish one of our kiddos!  We had dentist appointments, eye appointments and jewelry shows too.  A visit to a sweet little island, and a wedding there too.  We made memories with our friends, and had waterfights with Kyle.  Mommy ran the stairs about a million times and played racketball for the first time ever! (and yes… it was hilarious!)   In August we celebrated 14 years of marriage, poured a lot of concrete, picked wild blackberries, and collected critters at ‘Minnow Beach.’  We ate a lot of bacon at a lot of different hotels, and were thankful that our van wasn’t broken into when the guy next to us had his window smashed.  We visited a lot of different tourist information booths - as far north as Dawson Creek - collecting stickers for our passports.. and even earned a waterbottle for our efforts.  Now the boys can spot an ‘Info Centre’ sign a mile away!  We rode horses, played with lots of dogs and cats - and even a little one we named ‘ghost’.  We all went to a wedding, and went rock climbing with our friends.  Now that was a hoot!  A little road trip to Courtenay, then one to Victoria - ooh ya, and another parking ticket like last year!  We went to the IMAX, and watched every single episode of America’s Got Talent.  It’s our summer thing!  Our summer went quickly… it was full of fun memories, late nights, roadtrips and oh so many new and exciting things…

xox Niki

It was 1996.  I was early for my geography class… like, really early.  Another student arrived, we smiled at each other and I asked “What program are you in?”  Turns out we were both going to be teachers, and that years later, after university, weddings,  teaching assignments, 8 babies, and many years we did a photo shoot together.  My beautiful friend Shannon, who is my assistant/second shooter at every wedding I photograph, is embarking on something new and very exciting, and I was thrilled to capture her beauty for her brand new website.  Shannon is launching “Olivia Strut” a jewellery line where Mother Earth’s precious gifts are showcased, and I am so very excited for her.  Check out all of the gorgeous pieces on her new website or come out to the launch party tonight!  I am sure you’ll find something you love!

Here she is… my beautiful friend Shannon

Love you Shanny.  xoxo

There’s nothing sweeter than a brand new baby.   I got to spend Sunday morning snuggling and cuddling (and photographing) this sweet little girl.  Little Kali Grace was only 7 days old and was amazing through our entire session. She is loved by so many people, and is just the newest addition to an amazing family.  Thank you Keyla and Jay for asking me to document these first few days of your little baby girl’s life.  I can’t wait to photograph your entire family together!  

xox Niki

Last Saturday afternoon, I got to spend some time with two really great kids.  I originally met Caedon and Andrea last summer when I photographed their Mom’s wedding, and they were in the wedding party.  So much fun.  Saturday, the three of us headed out to get some photos of just the two of them together, and they were up for just about anything.  I feel so strongly that having photos that truly represent who you are in the here and now is so important.  Anytime is a great time for a family photo (or for a photo of your kiddos.)   Caedon & Andrea… thanks for a great day, and I hope the cookies were well worth the wait! 

xo Niki

Marilyn and Russ and I have so much in common, and two of those things are what brought them together. Marilyn and I are both teachers.  Russ and I both have 3 boys.  They met, when Russ’s middle son was in Marilyn’s grade one class.  We also have another thing in common… one of my past clients is Marilyn’s nephew.  This past Saturday, I spent the day with Marilyn and Russ and all of their wonderful friends and family.  It was an absolutely beautiful, hot, sunny day. 

Marilyn and Russ.  The moment I met you both I knew that your wedding would be one filled with excitement, love and joy.  You are both so sweet and the love that you share for one another is evident in every thing you do.  You are absolutely adorable and so much in love… you made my job easy!  I had a wonderful time with you both and am honoured to have been chosen as your wedding photographer. 

I wish you nothing but happiness, love and fun in your years together.  Congratulations!

xo Niki

Marilyn’s smile could light up any room… she looked absolutely breathtaking. 

The detail on her dress was so incredibly beautiful. 

Marilyn and Russ chose to see each other before the ceremony, and have all of their portraits done then as well.  As a photographer, I think this is such a great idea… everyone is fresh, and excited and once the ceremony is done, it’s time to celebrate with family and friends. 

Russ and his three handsome sons

Thank you to my amazing second/assistant Shannon for this next shot.  Love it! 

We started and ended our day in Nanaimo at the Coast Bastion Inn, and travelled to Ladysmith for the ceremony which was held in the church that Marilyn had grown up in.  It was such a beautiful, very personal ceremony. 

 I try to steal my couples away for a few minutes immediately following the ceremony, to just let it all soak in.  In a tiny little nook, just behind the church, these are the moments we captured.  Some of my very favourites of the day.

Much love to you both! 

xo Niki

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A sweet photo of my boys at the end of the school year.  Love this so much.  I thought about setting up the timer and getting Andy and I both in this photo too, but knew that it would totally change the dynamics of it… the silliness of it.  This is exactly who they are… laughing, loving each other (most of the time) and giggling… and maybe talking about farts… just sayin’.  :) 

Life has been so busy since about April, new and different things to do, places to go, that I found myself constantly saying, “okay Niki, you can’t get sick… cause you’ve got THIS coming up.”  Be that a trip away for a run, for a weekend with family, for a workshop in the states, for whatever…  BUT, my little body finally gave in the first week of June.  And, I was asking it not to just one more time.  On the first day of June - late in the night, I felt that little tingle in my throat.  You know the one, the one that says, “You now, are SICK - and will be very sick when you wake up.”  And, I was.   And, I was worried.  Cause I was walking 63.5km just 3 days later.  Yes, the Great Walk was the first weekend in June, and I had decided to complete it again.  What I didn’t count on was walking to Tahsis with almost no voice.  And, you know me… I am a talker.  This, was trouble! 

We celebrated a birthday in June as Seany-boy turned 7.  SEVEN!  I was talking with a friend about this not so long ago, and how I used to look at parents of 5, 7, and 9 year old children and think, that is such a different life.  And, now that I am one, I realize that it is!!   I don’t have a stroller in my van, or a diaper bag. (but I still have bum-wipes - that’s just a staple!)  I don’t feed anyone, or carry anyone, or rock anyone to sleep.  And, for the longest time, this made me feel sad.  I realize now that even though all of these things that were such a huge part of my life are gone, that some really cool things have taken their spot.  Like science experiments in the kitchen, monkey hugs, conversations about bugs and moths and why they do what they do, math drills, walks, races up the stairs, bike rides, ice cream dates and late night movie marathons.  So many things that we couldn’t do before when the boys were so little.  So many things that we can do NOW!  Road trips with no burpy bucket (well, it’s still there, just nobody uses it anymore), building forts with sticks, little back rubs from little boys when you get a hug, and lots and lots of great, creative ideas of things to do.  I love being a Mom of 5, 7 and 9 year old boys!

June was busy - as it always is.  We started swimming lessons again this month and spent time every weekday in June at the pool.  The boys are getting to be such great little swimmers!  We went ‘fishing’ on Father’s Day again this year, but didn’t catch anything.  We didn’t really ‘fish’ actually, so that’s probably why.  Well, if you count throwing out a washer (as a hook) out of the back of the truck.  Man, that’s Fishing!  I love how creative the boys are.  They loved throwing their ‘hook’ out of the back of the truck… practicing their ‘cast-es,’ challenging each other to ‘cast it farther!’ 

Lots of awards days, graduation days, celebration days and Grading Day!  Andy was home most of the last week of school, so he was here to take part in the fun!  June is always so much fun.  A time for lots of changes, a bit of sadness at saying good-bye, but excitement for what is to come.  Our summer will be busy, and we’re really looking forward to all that is to come for the Flynn crew! 

xo Niki

Summer is such a fun time of year.  Sleeping in.  Staying up late.  Spending time with family and friends.  I made a promise to myself to spend time this summer making memories with my kids.  And, twice in the past week, we’ve gone on an adventure.  We went to Butterfly World and Coombs on Thursday, and last night, we packed a supper and met our besties at the Elk.  We ate.  We ran and played.  And, made memories…

A photo of all of us together at the Elk…  bionicles as centrepieces… and each one of us.  What we look like - at this very moment in time.  The kids are all changing so quickly… I don’t want to forget! 

When we were getting ready to go, one, then two, then four, then all of the boys had their shirts off.  And, were throwing them in the air.  I love how creative kids can be when they aren’t distracted by all of the electronic world.  How we are all able to use our imaginations when we are out in nature.  Owen tied all of the boys shirts on them like capes, and they all started running.  “We’re superheroes!”

A photo on the Elk of the Superhero Squad.

I told them to “point at the sky”

Then I said “point at your Mom…”  But the boys heard “point at your bum…”  This photo just makes me laugh so much!

I love these kiddos so much and love how it doesn’t matter where we are or what we are doing - they love being together!

Some fun shots from our Butterfly World adventure.  Same kiddos, different place, same kind of crazy fun!

O and Hudsy picking wild blackberries at Farnham

I love creative weddings.  I love sweet intimate gatherings of people.  I love adorable couples.  So, this past weekend, all three of these loves came together when I was blessed to be a part of Kim & Mike’s wedding. 

The lyrics of a special song written by bridesmaid Katherine… “Just a small town girl, livin’ in an island world….. Just a city boy, growing up in New York state”…  Kim and Mike grew up in two different countries, on opposite coasts, and they met in Montreal.  The world has a way of making things work when two people are just supposed to be together.   They are a perfect couple, and I just knew the second I met them that I would love working with them!  When we talked about all of the details of their wedding day, my mind was swirling.  There would be a bus, a boat, an island, some great historic buildings, family, friends, and lots and lots of love.  I couldn’t wait! 

The wedding day started with the girls at the salon in Campbell River.  We then drove up island to Kelsey Bay, where we boated over to Hardwicke Island in preparation for the wedding.  I had gone over a few days prior to spend some time with Kim and Mike, and was amazed by all of the beauty and history that this sweet island held.  I couldn’t wait to photograph them in places that meant so much to both of them, and were so beautiful at the same time.  I loved the old logging camp, with it’s gorgeous buildings, old vehicles, and moss-covered logging truck.  The schoolhouse where Kim’s dad went to school.  The house that her great-grandfather lived in.  The reef.  The wharf.  It is so wonderful to have a wedding where every thing around you holds history.  Tells a story.  And I am so thankful to have been asked to capture the love and joy that was a part of this day, and tell the story… the story of Kim & Mike starting their journey as Husband and Wife, in a place that means so much to both of them and their family. 

Thank you so much Kim & Mike for asking me to be a part of your day.  I simply adore you both!!

xox Niki

Boarding the boat… bound for Hardwicke Island!

Married!

Cutie-pie Katherine…

LOVE!!

The original homestead

Kim, you are absolutely stunning!

After boating everyone back, the guests all boarded a bus bound for Campbell River and the Dolphins Resort

Two of the greatest families ever!

Mike’s dad joined the band for a song… he’s a great singer!

Much love to you both Kim and Mike… I wish you all the happiness in the world together!

xox Niki

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I know recently I have been talking a lot about how much my boys have grown and how fast the time is flying.  Well, this past weekend, I had a session with a Mom and her boys who I swear were in Kindergarten like, yesterday, and now are heading into grade 9 and 12.  What?  That is just how fast the time has gone! 

I met Tracey, Brady and Clayton at Peppercorn in the early evening, and spent some time just letting them be.  I love being a Mom of little boys, and loved being in the presence of a Mom and her teenage boys.  It just made me smile, and look forward to all of the great things to come.  They were so fun, and SO easy to photograph.  Seriously Tracy… my camera loved you guys!  Thanks for being so willing to come along with my crazy ideas, and for being such great sports (even with grumbling teenage tummies)… it was fun!  Enjoy your photos!

xo Niki

Love this photo of Tracey

ahhh… brothers

Such a beautiful family…