365 The Unplugged Summer | Olympia, WA Family Photographer

June, July and August. We took these warm, dry months as an invitation to completely unplug from the distraction of a screen and focus energy on play. Movies and games have never taken center stage in our lives, but a complete separation from them led to more independence and creativity. I couldn’t step away completely because of my business but I enjoyed observing my children and joining them when I could. They read through countless novels, made art, took more ownership of the garden, created, developed new skills, camped, explored, played music, picked over 200 pounds of berries and I can count on one hand how many times they asked to watch something. The screen was nothing to be missed. A summer’s worth of memories were created by their limitless imaginations.

To celebrate all the abundance from summer, the launching of my new website and my appreciation for you, I’m giving away one soft cover copy of my cookbook, Plants On The Table! Simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post for a chance to win!

Olympia, WA | Gifford Pinchot National Forest | Pioneer Park Tumwater, WA

  1. Katey says:

    Would love to win the cookbook Anna… we are 90% vegan + I’m always looking for tried and true plant-based recipes!! Gorgeous pics + gorgeous family. Much love to you all.

  2. Awe!! Looks like an amazing summer!! We enjoyed our summer too!! Lots of water, sun and laughter!! All those berries and little dirty feet!! Thanks for sharing.

  3. Kate Peterson says:

    The lifestyle you are instilling in your children’s lives is nothing short of a blessing. I so enjoy reading your heartfelt posts and seeing your incredible photography. Your talents are amazing!

  4. Sarah says:

    Gorgeous pictures as always, and kudos to you for giving your children real childhood memories free from the influence of technology!

  5. Emily Adams says:

    Stunning, as always… <3 What are the yellow raspberry looking things?

  6. Laura says:

    My bff actually is the one who got me interested in your Instagram posts and it’s truly beautiful seeing the way you guys live and enjoy the simple things in life. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Such wonderful memories you are creating.

  7. Breanna says:

    what a fulfilling summer, Anna!! These are treasures ????

  8. Lanae says:

    Hi Anna! So glad you guys are having such a wonderful summer! Love seeing all these pictures of your beautiful family. Got my fingers crossed for your cookbook! 🙂

  9. Sarah says:

    These images are absolutely beautiful. You have such an incredible eye for seeing beauty in the everyday moments and capturing emotions.

  10. Tina Clayton says:

    Congratulations on your new site! Thank you for sharing your family’s summer with us. I love that the kids unplugged and experienced the outside world and each other. Here’s to a wonderful autumn.

  11. Divi says:

    Your story telling approach in photography lead me to follow you on Insta, amazing photos, I am so happy I get to read your blog now!! Keep up the great work. I am a vegetarian by birth, want to be a vegan. Lots of love to be to you and your children
    ~Divya

  12. Katherine Donaghy says:

    Thank you for continuing to share with us. I love your beautiful use of light gut, nature and of course your garden and family!

  13. Cicely Williams says:

    So, so beautiful! Trying to feed my family more healthful meals and return to more vegetarian eating again! Would love to have a beautiful book to inspire me in my kitchen endeavors!

  14. Olivia says:

    The childhood you are intentionally giving to your kids is inspiring. The photos of your summer beautifully capture it. Thank you for sharing.

  15. Katrin Leistner says:

    Wow! Your life and your work are such an inspiration. Since I stumbled across you, I switched from taking portraits of my girls to taking pictures of them Doing something. It is so great, watching your children grow up through your eyes! And now this tales! They surely will be adapted, perhaps around Christmas time…
    If there is a possibility that this book of yours is up for a journey to Europe, I’m in for a chance. All the best for you!

  16. Liz says:

    Holy guacamole, these are beautiful!! Every single one. Thank you so much for sharing a tiny bit of your life journey every day in such an incredible fashion. I love this new website, well done!!

  17. Sandi says:

    What a beautiful collection of photos from your summer! So incredibly inspiring that you have given your children the gift of a screen-free summer. ❤️

  18. Amanda Epting says:

    I love this! You are an inspiration!

  19. Hi Anna, you are a beautiful inspiration! ????

  20. Grace says:

    Your passion for a sustainable lifestyle and the way you capture the images are inspiring! Plus, love seeing how your littles are growing up!!

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