Christmas Traditions

We spent our weekend decorating for Christmas. This is our new pre-lit tree. I love real trees, but you can't put them up this early and expect them to survive until the day after New Year's Day when I usually take it down. Less mess this way, too. Still, you can't beat the smell of a real, fresh tree. This little angel ornament hung on my grandparents' trees for many years. It was our yearly tradition to decorate their tree on Christmas Eve. We each had our own ceramic ornament that my Mother painted for us. Now that my grandparents are gone, this little angel makes her home on my own tree, along with the ornaments my children hang up beside her. I love Christmas. I love traditions. I love special memories.

Sleepy Cat

I wanted to play with my flash last night, so I used my sleepy cat. He was curled up by the fireplace with his little blue mouse, so I was able to snap a few photos of him.

Photographing Toddlers

It's a challenge to photograph a toddler! They are always on the go, so my camera has to stay ready. I was able to capture a few shots of this busy little guy. It was so much fun!

Too Big For Santa?

Austin talked to Santa at the elementary school's annual Holiday House yesterday. He did not want to sit on his lap, so he stood beside him and tried to remember what was on his Christmas list for this year. He looked very uncomfortable and embarrassed to be talking to him. I think my baby is getting too old for Santa.

A Day In D.C.

Andrew's class took a field trip to Washington D.C. yesterday. It started out very rainy and yucky, but thankfully the rain was about finished by the time we arrived. We spent the morning in the Natural Science Museum and finished up the afternoon at the Air and Space Museum. Four hours on a school bus was not very pleasant, but we had a good time.

Fall Family Photos

Yesterday I had a cooooooooooold photo shoot! It was cloudy and 43 degrees. These kids were adorable and so well behaved. We took "coat breaks" in between pictures. They were real troopers! Maybe they'll let me take more photos when it's warmer and brighter :) Thanks, "M" Family, for letting me practice on you!

Cub Scout Regatta

Austin had his first Regatta at Cub Scouts tonight. He had to decorate his boat and then the boys raced each other by blowing on their sails to make the boats float down the rain gutters. He was heartbroken when he didn't win. He was hoping for a special ribbon. Maybe next year!