christmas photos 2013

Only two more sleeps until the big day! I have been off my A game this year. I have to apologize for the lack of holiday-inspired posts. It feels like we have been rushing around trying to jam as many holiday activities in as possible while dealing with constant sickness in our home. I have decided as much as it brothers me that I have a million and one things that need to be accomplished, it is now time to slow down and enjoy some family time. I know I need to cherish each and every moment with my little ones, especially now that the holidays are here.

Well, it is next to impossible to get my children to co-operate for photos but I was determined to get a few Christmas-inspired shots. We had handfuls of candy and lots of raising of our voices but I think we managed to get a couple photos that captured our children loving the holiday decor and gingerbread men.

winter wonderland

We had our first snow day today! The kids loved waking up to a winter wonderland. We have been busy crafting, playing outside and sipping hot chocolate. Yes, life is good and I am not complaining one bit.

I had a chance the other day to snap some pics of the kiddos. It was no easy task but I think we got a few good ones. I can't wait to share them with all of you!

getting into the holiday spirit

I don't know what has come over me this year, but I am beyond excited for the holidays. I love love love the way our home feels when it is decorated with glitter and lights. The Christmas tree is up! Yes, you heard right. I don't usually look forward to pulling out the tree, dragging it upstairs and then spending hours decorating it, but this year I had one amazing little girl who was beyond thrilled to help her momma. How could I not be excited to spend such quality time with the little girl I absolutely adore. Once finished, she was beaming from ear-to-ear and kept saying how beautiful it looked. Moments like these, I will cherish forever.

This past weekend was a busy one. We started the weekend off early by celebrating my father-in-law's birthday. Taking two children to a restaurant can be quite the experience - let me just leave it at that. Saturday morning, the kiddos got to hang out with daddy as this momma headed to a workshop for the day. Little Miss L. attended dance class in the morning, she has finally taken a liking to class and I hear she was the first one lined up at the door to get in. The rest of the day was spent with family celebrating Festa De S. Martinho, the Chestnut Festival celebrated in the north of Portugal.

Sunday was a bright and early morning. I decided it was about time for me to step out from behind the camera and let someone else snap a few of our family. Let's just say it wasn't easy trying to get two children to cooperate on a cold morning with one child teething and the other falling down mere minutes before the shoot took place and scraping her hands and knees. In the end, we got it done and can only cross our fingers at least one good photo came out of the bunch. It didn't last long before I was behind the camera again as I had the opportunity to capture a few memories for two awesome families. I love love love holiday photos!

I must say I am kind of looking forward to Monday.

ho...ho...ho...pictures with santa

The time had come, it was time to see the big guy dressed in red. The hubby and I have been reading stories about Santa for several months to Little Miss L. in hopes she would better understand who the jolly man in the red suit was. We woke up bright and early Sunday morning, got dressed in our winter best and headed to the mall to meet Santa Claus. We have learned over the years that if you don't want to wait in line for hours, then you must be there 30 minutes before Santa's arrival.

As soon as we arrived, Little Miss L. lit up with excitement as she saw Santa's workshop all set up. As we were walking around to keep the little miss occupied, Santa made his grand entrance. It just so happened that Little Miss L. caught his eye and Santa made his way over to talk to her. Santa asked if he could have a high-five and Little Miss L. obliged. He continued on to his big chair and Little Miss L. got in line so she could have her picture taken.

Little Miss L.'s turn finally arrived - as she slowly walked up to meet Santa, her emotions got the better of her... she decided that she did not like Santa anymore and did not want to sit on his lap. After mommy and daddy told her everything was going to be okay and that Baby D was going to sit on Santa's lap as well, the mood changed. I guess Baby D was a comfort because as soon as he joined the party, Little Miss L. was ready to tell Santa all about anything and everything. Little Miss L. informed Santa she would be leaving him treats which consisted of cookies and milk. Santa than gave the kids a little gift and we were on our way. I have to say we are improving each year (you can look back at the last two years here) Even though it has been days since we met up with the big guy, Little Miss L. is still telling everyone about seeing Santa and giving him a high-five.

All dressed-up and ready to see Santa.

Look, there he is!

Where? Over there mom!

Umm, maybe I don't want to sit on your lap.

30 seconds before the crying started.

Look, Baby D is coming to join me.

I guess it isn't as bad as I thought.

Well Santa, do you have all day because I have a lot to talk about.

Please smile for the camera... no way!

Baby D meets Santa for the first time.

"Look, Santa gave me a prize" as Little Miss L. puts it.

2011 christmas photo shoot

Yesterday, I decided it was time to take our holiday photos to send to family and friends because, let's face it, we are now down to the wire. I setup a little photo shoot with the kids and they were happy to comply with me for all of two minutes. Trying to get both kids to look at the camera at the same time was next to impossible and I was only able to capture a handful of pictures that I think will work. Fingers crossed that in the next few days they might give in and allow for another shoot where they will both look at camera for mommy. Get ready for photo overload, I can't help it when it comes to these two cuties!

Testing out the cookies and milk to make sure they are ready for Santa.

Little Miss L.'s favourite book at the moment.

My little angel.

My handsome son, I can't believe he will be four months old soon.

Please look at mommy...

She would look any way but straight at me.

First it was in a pumpkin and now she is putting me inside a box!

She thought it was funny to put her hands in her mouth.

Finally, I have a smile!

The only one where he cooperated.

Seriously, you want me to smile right now?

Yippee, I got a smile.

Little Miss L. being the bossy big sister as always "Brother, look at the camera!"

They had quite the conversation going on.

My two little sweethearts.

Baby D.

Happy Holidays!