This summer I photographed the Bargen-Byle family at Cedar Springs in Sumas. Cedar Springs is a gorgeous Christian retreat center tucked in the foothills and surround by hills of flowers, flowering trees and little to nooks to find respite. John and Jeannie Bargen are the force behind the center, which John began with his first wife years ago. Jeannie, also widowed, came to work at Cedar Springs and love bloomed alongside the flowers. The families have grown and represent numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren as pictured. The family gathered for John's birthday, coming from as far as Turkey.
I've known Jeannie since I was a youth group leader for her son Warren, and she helped me work through my own grief when my husband died. Since then I've come to know others from these 2 family lines and they are all excellent people who continue to bless me. I'm so glad I got to meet all 38 of them.
