Christmas

Last Christmas.......

soooooo so adorable. I want to crawl into the photo and snuggle right in with them.

I love that they used to cuddle all up together

But this year brings a whole new kind of wonderful.

The boys weren't too sure about this whole unwrapping presents thing. 

They weren't even that interested through much of it, 

and when they did get curious, it was pretty tentative. 

Nicholas: Its really okay I just ripped through this thing?

 
Alex: easily distracted, but happy to find something new to 'eat'

 After he opened his first present on Christmas morning, Nicholas seriously went over to his chair and signed that it was time to eat. Really.

 He figured out after breakfast that were actually 

some really neat things in all of those "boxes" just waiting for him. 

Nicholas: YES, this is the book I wanted!!!!!!!!

and the best part: all the loving on and from our family and friends!!!!!

There's absolutely NOTHING like seeing the smiles from your little ones faces!!!!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

photo out-takes

Photo outtakes:

Any one knows that taking your child to get their pictures done is a process. 

It SHOULD be simple. 

Pick outfit, bring child 

or so thought the person who obviously didn't have children.

I thought I had it pretty well figured out. I would schedule the photos for right after the boys had their "well rested" nap and after they've had a hearty breakfast and bottle so they wouldn't be hungry and cranky. I also scheduled it for mid morning which tends to their "happy" time. I picked out cute coordinating outfits, brushed their teeth, their hair and brought their favorite snack "just in case."

The reality is: 

kids have their own agenda

and they don't so much care about yours.

 any one with more than one child will tell you,
getting a picture of ONE child smiling is a gift

 getting the same picture with two or more children smiling

 well, thats just a dream
at least at this age.

 ummm...guys...did you know nothing is in here?

 really, they want us to smile over a couple empty boxes.

 and a lousy ornament. well could have stayed home for this

 hmmm but I've got my eye on all of those cords....both boys in their ready to take off position.

mom and dad got their exercise just constantly putting them back 

and saying just hurry up and take a picture. now. fast

 before they are off again.

 pulling the ear must be "the" sign that you better give up at least one smile 

or we'll have to be here forever.

 Alex finally smiled on his way to get those cords

and luckily that camera click was fast because, phew, they got it on film!!!

 and one for Nicholas too!!!

these last two shots though

sure made up for the chaos of it all!!!