One of my favorite traditions when I was a little girl was driving around to look at the lights. Back then my grandma still lived in Burbank and there were about 3 different blocks that were filled with lawns full of reindeer and wise men and more lights than an airport needs to land planes. I remember driving up and down neighborhood blocks oohing and aahing at the Santa that would wave from the sleigh on the rooftop. If it was nice enough out, my parents and I would get out of the car and walk the block to see the rows of houses sporting their spirit. I remember being so in awe of the twinkling lights and standing on the sidewalk looking up at all these decorations and thinking to myself, "Wow, it really is magical!"
As we grow up, we realize it is not quite magic, but more appropriately a lot of work climbing up on the roof and hauling out all the decor from the attic and crawl space to create this magical time of year.
One of the things that I am most grateful for is being able to experience that magic again through W's eyes! Watching his face light up when he pushes the button for the singing Mickey on the tree brings back wonderful memories of when I thought it was the coolest thing in the world to be able to hold the strand of lights for my Dad while he decorated the tree. Listening to him talk while he is in the backseat as we drive home at night passing house upon house covered in lights and hearing him say, "Wow!... Wow!.... Wow!" tugs at every one of my heart strings. It reminds me of a time when I believed in magic and miracles and really genuinely believed that Rudolf's red nose was that blinking light in the sky on the way to Nana's for Christmas eve. (It was not until I was about 10 that my Dad broke the news that it was not Rudolf, but the light on top of the water tower... I was truly heart broken.)
Although W was not as impressed as I was with the idea to ride around in the car looking at lights. My parents and I still managed to enjoy a half hour or so of oohing and aahing at lights before W's protest forced us to go home. Unlike when I was young, we went straight home without stopping for hot chocolate, but the experience brought back a lot of happy memories for everyone involved.
In, what can only be called, a mission to drive myself mad, I have become slightly obsessed with capturing the perfect holiday card photo of W. He not only does not care to be a part of this mission, but I believe has begun taunting me with pleasant smiles and steady posing when my camera is no where to be seen. If I am lucky enough to be able to keep him in the room after strapping the camera around my neck the best I am able to catch is a glimpse of W turning on some of the musical ornaments.
I thought for sure that bringing out some lights and his new favorite blanket would only tip the scales in my favor, but alas he down right refuses to look longing into the glistening bulbs so I can photograph that "oh so perfect" pinterest shot I have been hoping for.
You may notice that his head is not in this photo and that is to preserve the holiday magic. For if it was you would surely see the distraught toddler look that conveys utter disbelief that he has been removed from his nightly reading to be asked to help untangle the lights.
After bringing in an assistant, I did manage to snap a few creative framing shots, but seeing as how this mission is designed to, as I said, drive me mad none of them quite hold a candle to the image I have in my mind.
Even after I proclaimed that I would send out this years holiday card with a photo of our new friendly bear, W would not change his mind.
After exhausting all other options, I bribed suggested that if W just sat down and held onto one of the lights for a moment, I would let him hold the phone and call GG.
In all fairness, he did exactly what I asked. He sat there for exactly one moment and held one light and then proceeded to get up and grab the phone and place it promptly in my hand demanding I hold up my end of the deal.
Although I may still send out a card with a teddy bear holding a strand of lights, I have fully enjoyed experimenting with the new camera, and for now will take comfort in the fact that W is not going to tear apart the Christmas tree, in an attempt to use lights to set the house on fire.
Apparently I am aging, and not in the good way like wine or cheese. My back has decided to go on strike until further notice, leaving me with a wicked spasm and a muscle relaxer that relaxes my consciousness along with everything else. I took half a dose yesterday morning at 7 and woke up at 3:30 in the afternoon completely unaware that the day had disappeared. All of this bed rest has given me the opportunity to catch up on some reading for school and organize about a zillion photos.
Here are a few black and white photos that were taken with the new camera before my back gave out.
I am sure I am far more excited than I should be, but I think it is pretty great that this camera has a black and white photo setting! I just adore the look of black and white photos!
In all fairness, I knew what I was getting for Christmas, so when the UPS guy dropped it off, is it really considered snooping to open the box, charge the battery, put the lens on and start taking pictures of W in all our Christmas glory?! I do not think so.
After a lot of research, consumer reports and scoping the internet for deals on camera bundles I pleaded and begged with my parents, grandma, and Tyler to all go in on one extra special gift. Technically I am not supposed to be using my soon to be Christmas gift until well Christmas, but I just could not help myself. It is so shiny and new and takes truly amazing photos!
I cannot wait to experiment with every setting and essentially drive everyone I know batty with my, "stand here," "wait, just one more," "hold still... okay turn slightly this way." Thanks in advance for putting up with me!
In the interest of gaining experience with photography, I have been kindly offering my services to friends and family! I was honored to be able to take some Christmas card photos for my cousin's little man last week.
Anthony was happy from the moment I got there until, hopefully for Mommy's sake, well after I left and he was not stingy with the smiles. I had a blast spending time with this little angel and look forward to seeing him on Christmas eve!
I was lucky enough last month to be able to get some nice candid shots of my girlfriends kids. These two handsome boys humored me crawling around on the floor with them trying to make them smile. Roman was more than happy to show me his sexy come hither look, and I am pretty sure the only reason Antonio did not give me the stink eye all day was because I brought him baby pumpkins.
I am excited to barge in capture some newborn shots of their soon to be here baby brother!
Thanks again Cruz family for welcoming me into your home to take photos!
My love for Christmas comes as no surprise to those around me, especially the men in my life who were forced kicking and screaming delighted to share in my holiday cheer whilst putting up 2 days worth of decor around the perimeter of the house.
Last year, W was pretty excited to see the lights and listen to the few musical ornaments, but this year he may be just as excited as I am, when the inflatables "wake up" every night and the tree glistens. So Tyler and I decided it was about time to dive into holiday traditions old and new.
A new tradition that our family started this year, is a spin on counting down to Christmas. I love the calendar countdown as much as the next guy, but we really loved this idea. Starting on the 1st (we started early so Tyler could be here to kick it off) Little Man picks one book from under the tree. He gets to unwrap his story and then we all snuggle under a festive and warm holiday blanket and read as a family!
Although we have to hide the books each day until story time, W already really enjoys it. After dinner, the books magically appear under the tree and he goes right for his "big blaaaank-it!" and snuggles in for a good read.
So far, W has unveiled Chugginton's Frosty Night, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer (musical book and toy), and I know my Grandma Loves Me (we let Grandma do the snuggling for that one).
