Family&Friends

Cherié and Mike's Web site!

Family & Friends!

Click on a picture to see more!

Palouse Workshop	On May 21-23, Mike traveled to the Palouse in eastern Washington and took a photo workshop with professional photographers Zack Schnepf, Adrian Klein and Kevin McNeal. The group would shoot until after 9pm, and arise each morning at 3:30 am to shoot the sunrise! The weather was mixed, which made for great photography! While Mike took over 1000 images, here are some that turned out the best.
Andy's Senior Portrait	While Mike has been on the shelf recovering from back issues, he took Andy's senior portrait . . .
Photo Workshop	On April 25, Mike took a photo workshop with accomplished professional photographer Zack Schnepf. The weekend started with Mike and Cherié traveling to Portland. While Cherié spent the day with good friends Tasha and Carol, Mike traveled to the Columbia Gorge with Zack and fellow workshop participant, Mike. There the trio photographed blooming pear trees, then spectacular wildflowers, and finally waterfalls in the Gorge. Along with a dose of Photoshop training at lunch, Mike greatly improved his photography skills. The perfect weekend ended with Mike and Cherié joining Tasha for lunch on Sunday.
Rey and Ricks' Bday Bash and Sushi Fest	On January 4, Mike and Cherié's friend, Rey Lopez, owner of the most excellent Agua Verde Paddle Club, celebrated his (and Rick's) birthday at a private party at Agua Verde Café. Alas, no Mexican food tonight . . . Karen ordered up our own personal sushi chef! Great sushi, great friends, and great fun!
Christmas 2008	Christmas 2008 meant a fun Christmas day with Mike, Cherié and Annie, followed by a trip to Chelan for 4 days with Cherié's family. Thanks to Edie and Gene's generosity, the Phillips and Warren families of Gene, Edie, Quinn, Mike, Cherié, Annie, Troy, Alexis, Gavin and Angela enjoyed family time, the snow and good food!
Let it Snow!	In December 2008, Seattle endured a round of snowstorms that created great opportunities for pictures. Here are a few! Let it snow!!!!
Leavenworth	In mid-August, Mike, Cherié, Annie and Annie's best friend, Anna, spent a relaxing weekend in Leavenworth. They floated the Wenatchee River, visited friends, Annie practiced driving, played mini-golf, and spent their first night camping on their Leavenworth property. It was a relaxing weekend, hopefully soon to be repeated!
Sunriver	At the end of June, Mike, Cherié and Annie joined the Phillips clan on a fantastic getaway to Sunriver, OR, compliments of Edie and Gene. They biked, swam, canoed, hiked, and played with Gavin and Angela (Annie's fan club!).
Leavenworth Getaway	On May 17, Mike, Cherié and Annie spent the day in Leavenworth. First on the agenda was rock climbing, a new sport for Annie. Then we made friends with some baby goats! Dinner at South, and a visit to our green property topped off the mini-vacation!
Vancouver Getaway	On April 19-20, Mike, Cherié and Annie escaped the snow in Seattle for a weekend in Vancouver. We visited the Vancouver Art Gallery, topped that by going to the IMAX and watching a Rolling Stones concert on the big screen. It was a great family get-away weekend!
Annie Snowboarding	On February 23, Annie fulfilled one of her goals and snowboarded for the first time. She joined with best bud Anna, and took a lesson at Snoqualmie Pass. While they did not exactly shred, they had much fun!
Annie's 15^th Birthday	On January 12, Annie celebrated her 15th Birthday in style! We spent the day snowshoeing our property in Leavenworth, dined with good friends Jeremy and Lachovia, and returned to yummy birthday cake baked by Cherié. Annie topped her weekend off with an Opera with Cebe!
Christmas 2007	Mike, Cherié and Annie enjoyed Christmas at home, then a great get-away with the Phillips family in Port Ludlow. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
W&D Holiday Party	On December 7, Warren & Duggan held its annual Holiday Dinner at Greenlake Bar & Grill, a client and a favorite of Mike and John. The dinner, drinks and dessert were excellent, the white elephant gifts cheesy, and the night marred only by an incidents of multiple Penguin-napping that ended only with some fine whine!
Leavenworth Property	After looking for almost 2 years, Mike and Cherié found a fantastic property in their favorite town, Leavenworth. The property is 5.69 acres, about half perfect for building, and half perfect for skiing, with views of the Enchantments and the bonus of Eagle Creek running through the land. Mike and Cherié plan on building a retirement house in a few years. Family and friends are always welcome!
Lopez Island	During the last weekend of June, Mike, Cherié and Annie rode their bikes on to the Anacortes ferry, and off on Lopez Island in the San Juans for the weekend. The weekend was off to a dubious start as the bike to the motel was in a torrential downpour. But the weather cleared, and they biked much of the island and had a great relaxing weekend!
Long Beach	In April, Mike, Annie and Anna spent part of the girl's spring break at John and Julie's beach cabin at Long Beach, WA. The weather was fantastic, and Mike and the girls hiked, spent time on the beach, and enjoyed a great weekend!
Pimping my Ride	Mike bought a new Toyota Pickup, and in the fashion of the hip TV show "Pimping my Ride" decided to Pimp up his new Truck! This included a carpeted sleeping platform, storage for long road trips, and special advertising for www.MountainGroovePhotography.com! Enjoy the ride!
Christmas 2006	Cherié, Mike and Annie has a wonderful Christmas. Christmas morning was spent opening gifts. Christmas dinner was excellent at the Phillips. Edie and Gene's generosity meant a 3 day vacation in Leavenworth for the Phillips clan, spouses and kids.
Band and Piano	Annie had her Holiday Band Concert and Piano Recitals in December 2006. Both were very enjoyable, with lots of good tunes!
Teenager Weekend	The weekend of October 13-15, Mike and Cherié hosted Annie and her three best friends, Aidan, Anna and Lauren. The all weekend slumber party included movies, the hot tub, Pike Place Market, costume shopping, bowling, and lots of talk about boys! It was a very enjoyable, and enlightening weekend with 4 very "together" girls!
Cherié's Birthday	We celebrated Cherié's birthday over a two week period, with Annie, at Port Townsend, with David and Heike, and finishing it up with a Birthday brunch at the Phillips' home. In attendance were Cherié, Edie, Gene, Quinn, Nosealy, Beth, Troy, Alexis, Gavin, Angela, Annie and Mike.
Mike's Birthday	On September 6, Mike Celebrated his 48th birthday. He started on Monday on Bainbridge Island with Annie and his Mom, and a home made cake. It continued on Wednesday when Cherié organized a surprise party at Buca di Beppo, where Cherié, Susan, Billie, Willie, Barb, Heike, David, Duana and Jason celebrated the day!!
Jerry & Jackson Visit	Jerry and Jackson came to town to visit and check out the area. Uncle Jerry took everyone to a M's game. We are looking forward to Jerry and Jackson being here another couple of weeks!
Spring Band Concert	On June 8, Annie played the Oboe in the Woodword Middle School Spring Band Concert. The entire band sounded fantastic!
Piano Recital	On May 20 Annie had a piano recital on Bainbridge Island. She expertly played Dance with the Irish and I want to hold your hand! We also heard many other talented pianists play at the recital. After the recital Annie climbed about half way up the REI Pinnacle before the effects of altitude brought her down to earth! Katie also came over for a fun weekend in the big City!
Arboretum	On May 6, Mike, Cherié and Annie all took cameras to the UW Arboretum. Many good pictures resulted . . . see the photographer below the picture!