For a family Christmas present this year, Hannah and I wanted to try out some new props, and she had this amazing field of grass in her yard. So, we set up in the grass and we could both tell we were going to end up with some wonderful photographs even before we started photographing. The boys were having fun and smiling and the grass was just amazing. Isaac was totally engaged with the process, and Eli thought it was pretty cool too. Willing subjects, beautiful setting, fun props, great ideas… Doesn’t get much better than that! I spent the whole day with them, and even got to help Eli learn to ride a bike without training wheel that day. Being a granddad is pretty neat.
We start Christmas morning by sharing in our stockings, with little goodies and fun toys stuffed inside each. Then, breakfast and setup for the day. Usually there is way too much stuff to eat and drink sitting around on every flat surface, and this day was no exception… We then settle down, share what we’re thankful for from the year and pray over the family, the day and give thanks to God for sending Jesus to the earth. Then we go around with various presents and open them, reveling in the fun and sharing the excitement together. Depending on who all is here in a given year, this can take some time as everyone tends to give something to everyone who comes; I think Leah calculated that it seems to be around 15 every year for the past few years. We pretty much fill up the family room for sure. When all is done, we clean everything up and pose everyone around the tree for a family portrait. This can be rather hurried as by this time various ones have to leave to get to other things or other family celebrations. But, in looking back over the years, I think we’ve had a portrait for most years since we started our family. It’s a cool tradition. Here is the photo from yesterday; yes, that’s a new hat I’m wearing:
