Christmas Card Outtakes

Thanks to the wonderful photos taken by Katie Hyman Rittershaus during our November photo shoot, I did not have to sweat pictures for our Christmas card this year. This biggest problem was which of the many fabulous photos to use. For this reason it was first time I ever selected card that used more than one picture.

Despite the fact that my main early stressor was averted, I nevertheless like to have a few pictures of all three kids to capture this time of year and to use for the month of December on my annual calendar. This year proved to be as "fun" as ever with respect to snapping a "good"picture. To be clear my definition of "good picture" has changed over the years. Previously it was the subjects looking and/or smiling at the camera. Now it usually involves hopefully smiles, two out of three looking at the camera, and hopefully nobody obviously disagreeing with task at hand.

First try, the old standard: the bathtub. Great for so many reasons - don't have to worry about outfits and the kids are contained. Sadly we're getting to the point where are days of these pictures are numbered. They rarely take baths all three at a time any more. It's just too crowded. Most bath nights begin with Jack and Meghan in the tub playing together for a long while. Then once they get out, Clara hops in to quickly get washed. She "doesn't like baths anymore". But in the name of getting calendar pictures for the month of December, I attempted the three-in-the-tub shot. Here's how they turned out.

Post-bath dressed in Christmas PJ's, second photo attempt in front of the Christmas tree.

Jack's version of a smile. Clara is tickling Meghan to get her to smile.

Probably my favorite.

Only for silly faces will Meghan remove her Nuk.

Once they've gone silly, it's hard to reign it in.

And Jack has left the building.

Just to show you how wound up and crazy the kids were while I was trying to get a good picture.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It rained in Raleigh the majority of the first two weekends in December. Luckily on Sat. the 7th we were able to purchase our tree during a break in the rain. On Sunday we hauled the decorations down from the attic and starting getting our house ready for Christmas.

Stockings up and ready! 

Santa Clauses abound!

Tree is in and standing.

Jack has been very interested in power lines and cords these days, so he looked upon the strands of lights with interest.

First ornaments placed.

A little help from Mommy with the breakables.

In front of the finished product!

The following weekend we were out in the backyard early Saturday morning to beat the cruddy weather. Meghan decided she was chilly and opted for a scarf to keep her warm.

Clara put on one of my hats.

As part of Sydney's continuing rehab from her knee surgery this past September, she needs regular walks with yardage increasing bi-weekly. Jack has been accompanying Brec on these typically in the afternoon. Their current route takes them past a nearby church with a large grassy knoll. Jack enjoys rolling down the hill.

One weekend closer to Christmas... you know what that means: Wrap Central is in full effect!

Pop-pop has the biggest present under the tree.

Early December (1 - 7)

Thanksgiving was so late this year that once we returned from our visit to Richmond, it was a frantic race to get ready for Christmas. Along the way we managed to take a few photos from the first week in December.

Too cool for school - almost daily Meghan asks for her "glasses" when we get into the car. Poor girl needs some of her own as she's currently wearing her big brother's Sponge Bob sunglasses.

At first Meghan was not so happy about getting her picture taken for whatever reason. 

Not sure what changed her mind, but I'm glad whatever the reason was.

All set decked out in Christmas colors to head out to Farmer's Market to get our Christmas tree before the epic rain set in. Meghan wanted a pony tail like her big sister.

That afternoon we headed over to Kierstin & Kelsey's house for some Christmas cookie decorating fun. Someone got into the icing.

The big girls were very prolific decorators.

A quick snuggle with Sydney - thought I'm not sure Sydney's excited about this.

Monkey see, monkey do.

Over Thanksgiving we had been discussing with Lucy the differences between kitchen towels and bath towels and why it's actually important to use kitchen ones in the kitchen. Unintentionally we collected some evidence to support what we'd told her.

Sydney on her bed of leaves.

Visit to Santa Claus

Happy New Year! A what better way to start out 2014 than a blog post, rather than waiting until February for me to get my act in gear. 

Next up: our visit to see Santa Claus while in Richmond over Thanksgiving.

Out in the driveway on our way to the Children's Museum. Always a good time trying to get a picture of Jack... See what I have to work with?

In line! Meghan is not so sure about all this.

Already shying away from the camera, this doesn't bode well. In other news Pop-pop made it this year!

There's a smile from the Megatron trickadoodle.

Next in line to see Santa chatting with the Snow Queen.

The whole experience in pictures... Clara is excited and in awe of Santa Claus as I try to work some magic on the other two. Clara takes the opportunity to ask him how old he is.

Jack, all set to stand beside Santa, is not happy to be placed on his lap.

Meghan is having none of it as I try to flee the scene in order to snap the picture.

Santa calls out, "a little help, Mom" as both Jack & Meghan are escaping from his grasp. Quick rearranging and reassuring ensues.

Money shot!

And thanks to Nay-nay we have the side view as well.

After the picture Meghan escapes to me as soon as possible, but Santa hugs Jack close to keep him around. Clara asked for some "Playmobil, Magic Tree House books, & some surprises" (check & check!).

Surprisingly enough after some coaxing, Jack tells Santa that he'd like a book. Clara was a super supportive big sister giving Jack a pat of encouragement

Clara then adds that she thinks that Meghan would like a baby doll. 

All in all it was a much better experience than the last couple. I was so proud of Jack for how far he's come considering two years ago, he cowered the moment we walked into the room, and last year he didn't make it into the picture. This year he sat on Santa's lap long enough to snap a photo and even managed to tell him a present that he'd like. I'm glad to finally have all three children in a picture together with Santa!