According the the biographical sketch by Margret Benedictson, Pjetur and Maria left North Dakota for Seattle in 1894, four years after they had left Iceland for North America. Marrying in 1892, their first child, Jakobina, was born in Garder, North Dakota on November 15, 1893.

Benedictson wrote that the family lived in Seattle until 1899, when they moved to Marietta, north of Bellingham.

Since the photographer's label is a studio in Seattle, it is reasonable to assume that this photo was most likely taken while the family resided in Seattle. Bena appears to be around 5 or 6 years of age, which would place the year the photo was taken approximately 1898 or 1899.

Could the family have already planned their move from Seattle to Whatcom County?  Was the appointment for taking this photo made as a final document to their life in Seattle?

Was the photo an opportunity to measure their new found success in this new land? Sending such a picture back to family in Iceland would reveal a measure of prosperity in the new world.

A handsome young couple, dressed in their finest, surrounded by their pride and joy, two beautiful young children, the oldest with a look of mischievous confidence on her face, the youngest, staring inquisitively at that strange device in front of the person who just threw a hood over their face.

What a magical place this new land must be!