Christmas/Hailey's Birthday (of last year)

Is it sad that I'm posting photos from Christmas and Hailey's Birthday when it's now April? Very. Might time and the pure charm of these photos diminish my shame? I'm going with yes, but we'll let future you decide that for your future self.

Tree Decorating Festivities and General Decor - Not sure how things are elsewhere, but around these parts, tree trimming isn't a democracy. Tracy decides on the type of tree (think skinny... almost sickly) and on the decorations that allowed on board. There were protests the first few years... and you still might hear a murmur of dissent here and there... but I think it's safe to say that everyone has fallen in line. She does however relent occasionally, allowing the certain sentimental ornaments to be placed on the tree... around back... where they can't be seen without the assistance of mirrors.

I didn't take any pictures of Christmas morning. I've stopped that completely, having decided that those pictures, more than any others... are completely unflattering. I mean who looks good in bed head and pajamas, buried under a pile of barely deserved presents? ;)

Speaking of pajamas... Hailey made ours this year. They rock. Wonder if she knows she's on the hook for that task forever?

Up next? Hailey and Eden's combined birthday post.

The Story of Our Christmas Tree

This is the part where everyone was mad.

This is the part where they avoided the camera.


This is the part where we thought that guy would steal the camera.

This is the part where we all agreed on a tree.

This is the part where Evan didn't.

This is the part where we decorated.

This is the star ceremony.

This is the thing with the things.

This is the part where I apologize for having you read this. The End.

Thanks Canon.

Okay, so I bought this new camera... and if our car doesn't break down or the basement flood in the next 90 days, (All hail Costco's return policy) I'm going to keep it. So now more than ever, I take pictures...

In the kitchen.
The light is decent and there's always someone around.




At the Christmas tree lot...
I shoot the trees that won't fit in the living room.

And the ones that will.



At choir performances...
from a distance... in the dark.
Something impossible before now.




Clearly, the photos aren't all good, but the upsides to owning a better camera are becoming obvious. The downside to owning a better camera? No one wants me around anymore. Meh... I can live with that.