August 10, 2025

Goodbye Summer, Hello New School Year

Goodbye Summer, Hello New School Year

Well… another summer has come and gone, and here we are, standing on the edge of a brand-new school year. Every August seems to sneak up on us, but this summer felt like it flew by at lightning speed.

Between family adventures, road trips, and a whole lot of 4-H excitement, our days were packed. Three of our six kids competed at the 4-H State Competitions at Texas A&M — in robotics, vocals, and solo/band — and each of them placed! To say we are proud would be an understatement. This was our third year attending state, and every year feels a little more special, a little more familiar, and a lot more exciting.

A Bittersweet Year Ahead
This school year is going to be an emotional one for both Jenay and me. We’re each graduating our oldest two… which means we’ll be handing out diplomas, wiping away happy tears, and watching our first “babies” step into the next chapter of their lives. It’s thrilling, but I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few “le sigh” moments.

That’s why my personal motto this year is:
“Make as many positive core memories as we can.”
Whether it’s simple family dinners, silly game nights, or big milestone events, I want to pack this year with moments that our kids will look back on and feel wrapped in love and joy.

The Wild Roots Senior Rep Crew
On top of the excitement at home, Wild Roots Photography is stepping into a milestone of its own. This is our very first year officially having Senior Reps — and we have five incredible seniors on our team. We’ve already started some of their individual sessions (plus one group shoot), and we are overflowing with ideas for the year ahead. These teens are so full of personality, style, and story — I can’t wait for you to see what we create together.

Summer in a Snapshot
When I look back at the past couple of months, I see a highlight reel of:

Escape rooms (because apparently we like locking ourselves in rooms and solving puzzles for fun 😂)

Yummy food — from favorite hometown spots to new hidden gems on the road

Family road trips that left our camera rolls full and our hearts fuller

It was the perfect mix of busy and beautiful.

Back to the “Regularly Scheduled Program”
Now, it’s time to shift back into the rhythm of lesson plans, practices, shoots, and projects… but this year, there’s a twist. Jenay and I are about to hit our one-year mark of working together on this crazy, creative Wild Roots journey. In the next few months, you’ll see some of the most fun and unique shoots we’ve ever done — and trust me, they’re going to be good.

So here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and making core memories in this bittersweet, beautiful season. Whether it’s behind the camera, at the kitchen table, or cheering from the bleachers — we’re ready.