1-2, Emalie, Christmas Tree & Elmo

I found myself a model this morning!  Isn't she a cute one?!

"Dear Lord, when is this going to end?!"

12-29, Mom and Dad's Portraits

You know what happens when I get photography equipment for Christmas?  My burning desire to try it out almost immediately prevails.  The bonus?  Immediate subjects!  Notice I didn't say immediate 'thrilled' subjects or immediate 'willing' subjects.....no, just immediate subjects.  I don't know how many times I need to tell everyone that someday they'll be thankful for all (and I do mean a lot of ALL) these photos I've taken over the years.  Twenty minutes into the session, dad was already trying to convince me that 'smiling is bad for you.....because my face hurts.'  This from a fellow Marine (dually noting that once a Marine, always a Marine.....).  No, sitting for photos can't be that painful!  So here they are, my 2013 round of Mom and Dad portraits.  Thank you, Sven, for your hours on the phone with your new best friend from my always favorite photo store in NYC (B & H for those of you in the need to know category).  Thanks for 'pulling the trigger' and purchasing me what I've been wanting to purchase for myself all year.  (By the way, honey, you know now that mom and dad are gone you are my next in-line for practice sessions.....right?!).  Mom and Dad may not be thrilled that I've devoted an entire post to their portrait session, but I think they look good!  (Plus, that's always the risk you take when I'm in control of the pics....ha ha ha).

"See, this is how you do it...."  LOL.....

Since this will be my final post of 2013, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy new year.  May 2014 bring you much love and laughter!

12-29, Christmas Time (Part 2)

It is 7 AM the Sunday after Christmas.  I'm a little more awake than I was at 3 AM.  Thad and Kelly departed Friday.  Sven drove Mom and Dad to the airport (in 1.5" of snow) earlier this morning for their 0555 flight.  I had every intention of staying up and having a few hours of quiet time once they left.  Alas, my desire for a warm bed was stronger than my desire to update the blog!  Now I'm up and ready for the task, but the cries of "Mom!  Mooooommmm!" on the monitor and the pitter-patter of little feet will soon hold my attention.  I'm pretty sure Nikolas will be out for the count.  It's been a busy week.  Sven's eyes are glued to last night's game (I can't believe HE didn't go back to bed after his airport run), I hear the neighbor's snow shovel clanking against the driveway and the sound of the snow plow speeding up the hill.  ('Where was this snow Christmas Eve?', I can't help but wonder.)   We all kept resounding, "I can't believe the holidays are already over."  In a few days, 2013 will be but a memory.  So, with this all being said, I'm going to relive our wonderful holiday one more time through the photos that I took.  (At least you all don't have to hear the grunts and sarcastic remarks offered every time I got my camera out.  LOL.....).  

A little Grandpa loving.

Sven's happy to see any snow, but he always wishes it were more.

Everyone hard at work getting the snow off the driveway before we drive on it and create a downhill ice rink.

Checkers with Grandpa.

Emalie loves her Grandpa!  She tried so hard to say "Grandpa".  She's getting closer but not quite there yet.

Geez, you would have thought I was asking them to give me $1,000 rather than just sit for my photo!  Ha!

All.......

....eyes......

.......are.......

........on........

.... the reading of The Night Before Christmas.

The tree Christmas morning with all the gifts that had been hidden away.

Emalie loves her cappuccino maker from Santa.....

.......and her silly (but warm!) hat from us.

Nikolas will be ready to hit the courts with this basketball from Uncle Thad and Aunt Kelly.

Emalie's ready for a spin in her new car (if she drives like she plays then she's going to need that helmet!!).  

Nikolas is looking for the cat-- the poor Nerf gun target (regardless of how many times we tell him not to!). 

Smiles all around on Christmas morning.

Nikolas loves these kinds of books.

He'll already filling his head with all sorts of facts, surrounded by piles of gifts, boxes and wrapping paper.

Now Emalie can play anywhere with her take-along toy motorhome (just like Grandma and Grandpa's!).

We're so glad Grandma and Grandpa (and Thad and Kelly) joined us for this special holiday!

And the sweetest gift of all:  Nikolas gave Emalie his guitar.  She loves her new 'strum-strum-strum'.

Emalie being spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa.  BOTH kids were spoiled by everyone!

The picture that speaks for itself.  LOL.....don't you just love those expressions?!

The boys hard at work prepping for Christmas dinner.  (Thad peeling potatoes?  I'm impressed!)

Christmas dinner with the family.

Grandma reading Emalie one of her new books for bedtime Christmas night.

Soaking up the Vitamin D on the back deck the day after Christmas.  Not bad for being in Colorado, right?!

I lost count at how many puzzles we put together with dad's help.  4?  5?  That's hard core!

Nikolas really has a knack for putting puzzles together.

Soaking up every snuggle with Grandma while she can.

And that's it folks, for the "House of Ham Part Deux" (thanks for that, Kelly!).  We cherished the time we spent with loved ones and thought of those loved ones far away or no longer with us.  We hope you enjoyed the holidays and had more smiles than stress.  I know my family rolls their eyes every time I get my camera out, but I guarantee that one day these photos will be cherished for the memories that they hold.  And for those of you who sent us gifts, thank you so much for thinking of us and for your generosity.  We love and miss you all!

One last HAPPY HOLIDAYS for the season, and now on to wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!