Christmas 2008

Christmas!! Our Christmas consists of Christmas Eve at my parents, then back here for a few hours of sleep, then we have Christmas Morning with Benjamin at our house and head back to my mothers and wind up at my Grandmothers house. 

Nichole acting as the Tickle Monster!

My son, nephew and 1st cousin once removed (what a weird family relation term). But as far as their concerned, they're all cousins. I wanted to get a picture of all the boys, but the younger ones weren't so interested in cooperating. 

Oh, no! Does he have a fever?

My brother and my son - two peas in a pod. My brother is 6'2'' and my son is only 8- yet they look about the same size. I'm in SO much trouble! :)

Ok, I'm obsessed with this face, but wouldn't you be too?

The cuteness!

Every year be gets new PJ's for Christmas, this year he got a new mood glowy thing too - he was psyched. 

My brother found these marbles with real bugs inside.  I love this shot!

Mums tree :)

My favorite part of Christmas.  Every year, since I was born, my dad has read The Night Before Christmas to us, for a book that he's had forever and was published when he was a toddler.  Boy has his audience grown!  Look at my kiddo, he's nearly too big to sit on my lap :(

Our tree, for the first year ever we decided to get a real one, I loved it!

My son is a bit of a dork, and he asked for a lump of coal from santa.  So santa, not wanting to let him down, obliged, and also sent him something a little more interesting than just a lump of coal.

I love Christmas morning hair!

We got a wii, and a wii fit, but the most exciting game for B was the Carnival games

Sophie the Christmas chihuahua

My dads Christmas consisted of guitar loot to grow his renewed obsession with guitar.

My mom's christmas consisted of whiskey.  Hmm. 

Killian in his christmas PJ's & new robe!

We got my brother the book "stuff on my cat" .. it was a hit.

Unless you're my mothers cat... 

 

Spy night vision goggles.

Sorry, its that face again.

Nichole rockin out on the mini guitar

All the technology and noises and toys in the world and this simple spider man toy was what he kept going back to and play with over and over.

...and to all a good night!

Sue & Mary 12.06.08

Sue & Mary had their wedding on a lovely Saturday in December.  The church was gorgeous.

This picture makes me smile because I love how it represents their family and what's to come.

Their program in the stained glass window

Their twins walking down the isle.  These two are heart breakers and they were SO well behaved all day.

Sue and Mary being escorted down the isle.

Seriously beautiful church - and I love the advent wreath.

The sand ceremony.  Each of them had a color, the kids knew exactly which color was theirs and what to do with it. 

At the hotel - I love Christmastime weddings - there are so many fun decorations!

Reception time!

Sue and Mary are insane, and I mean that in the best way possible.  They have been together for many many years and have a tradition of having a holiday party every year and having all the family over and all the kids get to demolish a gingerbread house.  So instead of their party, they planned their wedding.  They made a gingerbread house for every table's centerpiece and a gingerbread man for every guest. 

The kids watching their mom's have their first dance.

Another family tradition was Irish Soda Bread - which the someone else in the family made for every table. 

This family is amazing.  As I said they've been together a long time.  (I want to say 26 years).  The world has come a long way on that time and to watch Sue & Mary wed, was an emotional event.  Her sister couldn't look at her during the speech because she was sure she would lose it.

The kissing can was great fun - all the couples names were in the can, and every time they clinked on a glass for Sue & Mary to kiss, the DJ would pull a couples name out of the can instead, that could would approach the dance floor and show of their best lip lock! It was so entertaining!

I mentioned they made the centerpieces.  But the real centerpiece of the reception was this gingerbread castle that says "Dreams do come true" and in the top turret there you see "Mom, Mama, R & A" representing their family. 

I also mentioned that the kids would demolish the gingerbread house - well, were they go!  Instead of cutting the cake, the kids (and adults) came up and dug in!

Mmm candy!

Then they danced the afternoon away!

Hmm, I wonder what song this could possibly be!? :)

Sue & her dad

A family dance. 

What an wonderful day - these women are strong and loving and it's obvious that everyone around them loves then and appreciates them for that fact.  Their twins are the apples of their eye and they're all so grateful for everything they've been blessed with.

Congratulations Sue, Mary & Kids!  Thank you for allowing me to witness your journey!