I was very proud of this year's holiday card for several reasons:

1. I honestly didn't think it was going to happen. I've had this concept in my mind (and Amry's dress in my hands) since this summer, but when the busy holiday season actually hit, I just couldn't imagine finding the time to take the pictures and then create and send cards. But with the help of my AWESOME husband and our new Pinkle Toes Office Manager (my mom!), somehow, we got cards mailed out.

2. I knew I was going to have to use my new lighting techniques I learned this summer and honestly, I was very skeerd that I wouldn't be able to make it work.

3. It was cold. And my kids were NOT happy about taking these pics. In fact, most of the images from that night looked like this:

4. And most importantly, it served as a visual reminder of my goal to TRAVEL more starting in 2011. We're ready to explore...to see the world...or at least give it a good start. This is why we homeschool and I know I want the kids to experience these places and not just see them on TV. We're going to start small by hitting a few places in the U.S. and see how it goes, but I'm very hopeful we can make it happen. I'm VERY excited about 2011!

But for now, I think we'll take a little break and hunker down at home to enjoy this Christmas. Thank you to everyone for a wonderful 2010 and I wish you the most magical, wonderful, special, and love-filled holiday season ever!

Much love,

Michele

Finally done with holiday orders and I'm pretty sure everyone's cards have been sent out, so now begins the fun job of sharing all of these sessions! This family is dear to my heart as I've photographed both of their boys as newborns. It is always such an honor to get to watch these kiddos grow up and they have become healthy, energetic, all-boy-boys! We had to outrun the rain, a footrace, and in many cases, the boys, themselves to snag pics at our session, but gosh, just look at those grins and bright blue eyes!

I couldn't resist. We've been working for so long to get moved into the studio and make it operational. We made major progress today. So much so, I was able to set up my light that I've had sitting in a box for 2 years now. My two (not-so-willing) models let me do a few test shots before I put them to bed. I'm happy. Very, very happy.