Last weekend was our 3rd year in a row attending the Vashon Island Sheepdog Classic held at the exquisite Misty Isle Farm. It is hands down one of my favorite events on the island. It came as no surprise that this year’s trials held a record setting attendance. Between the trials and visiting our friends on Ridge, we are crazy about the sheep (and the dogs too of course).
We have experienced some frigid temperatures here in the Pacific Northwest over the last week. By Montana standards this is nothing, but dips into the low 20’s are enough to set your teeth a chattering and your car door and gas cap to freeze shut simultaneously. It is also a rare occurrence for the temperatures to be just right for just long enough to allow Fisher Pond here on Vashon Island to completely freeze over.
The last time Fisher froze was 4 years ago, so it was a real treat to experience it for our first time last week.  It is a magical event and many of the island’s residents come out to share in the joy that it brings.  A long time island family, the Petersons have amassed probably close to 80 pairs of ice skates in various sizes that they bring to the pond and lend out for free to anyone interested in getting out on the ice. Others bring hot cocoa and cider for the kids and there was even a bonfire at the edge of the pond one evening at sunset. It is just another of the numerous amazing things that make this island so special.
“National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”
-Wallace Stegner
Spending time with the Andersons is always a blast.  Over the holidays, I got to tag along while they chose their Christmas tree and when we arrived home they threw down an impressive dance party in the kitchen. That is about as fun as it can get. Go Team We, 2017 is your year!
I headed over to Seattle and my old neighborhood in late December to photograph the Agrawal-Najafi family on what was one of the coldest days of the year. Cozy sweaters, wool wraps and many warm embraces kept the cold at bay.
Owner Brandon D’Imperio takes students on a edible journey through his gorgeous 10 acre ranch on Maury Island.
Rhythm and movement at the wonderful Open Sky Dance Studio in South Seattle.
Dawn Stief Photography 