Alots happened since September.

I traveled back home to Boulder, and to Michigan, California, Minneapolis, Munich, and Paris.

We welcomed visits from so many generous, loving friends and family that I’ve lost count! These friends and family let us take them on muddy trail hikes in the fall, to VooDoo donuts and coffee shops and laid next to me on the couch for heart to hearts in the winter, up the tallest waterfall in Oregon and on epic trail runs in the spring, and BBQ on our patio then stay up late listening to old records in the summer.

We got as many James and Joan snuggles in as possible before my sister’s family moved from Seattle to the east coast for new jobs. Then cried our eyes out when they left.

We enjoyed a nearly 3-year (1065 days, to be exact) running streak and celebrated its end on November 30, 2016.

We spent the better half of December in a hospital and/or recovering at home after a standard medical procedure took me out.

We rung in the New Year with our friends at a beach out where the sunsets were unbeatable, the wine was plentiful, and the laughs were never-ending. 

We got really into snowshoeing, got buried under snow on remote forest roads, and learned what -10*F feels like at 2am. We learned what a pulk was and how difficult it is to carry in 3 feet of fresh powder. We learned that doubling down on sleeping bags is always the right call and that a hot toddy is pure bliss.

I expanded Erin Fortin Photography, photographed 2 weddings and 21 new families, was hired as the Staff Photographer at Cedar Mill Living (a local color print magazine), and saw my work highlighted in online media and print.  In doing so, I’ve met incredible families, worked with talented photographers, and Weez became my assistant and second shooter.

We went backpacking on wet coastal trails and on arid eastern Oregon trails, under waterfalls and through tall grasses. We made wishes for the future under the stars, watched seagulls fish for hours, and cooked cinnamon rolls in hallowed oranges. 

And amongst all this, we most excitedly, most blissfully welcomed the start of a new life, our daughter, due 11/11.

These beautiful images were captured by the remarkable Red Aspen Photography nearly 2 months ago. We’re about 25 weeks along, now:

And the world keeps spinning. A fast and untamable pace. I’m looking forward to sharing more of our ride.

Thanks for sticking with me all these years :)