[Kinda hard to show on here, but this is a 5x7 wide format card...the red pages are the front and back of the card and then green pages are actually side by side and fold out to a 14 inch spread when opened.]
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
We've only known you for two years, but somehow in that short time, you changed the very core of our family. I can't help but to smile whenever I talk about you. You have made me enjoy life more, dream bigger, and love more fiercely than I ever have before. You've turned your dad into a softy, your oldest bro into a loving guardian, and your other bro into a partner in crime. You turned me into a mother with a daughter...something I feared would never happen. 
You are all things pink and sparkly.
A fashionista/commedian.
You have a songbird voice with an endearing baby lisp.
You love to sing and listen to music, current faves include "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," "ABC's," "Baby Bumble Bee," and "Welcome to the Jungle" (you can thank your Daddy for that.)
Rosebud lips and girly lashes, I love to kiss your cheeks, rosy and warm when you wake from your nap.
You still suck your thumb, love your "Dat," and have adorable elbow dimples.
You are excruciatingly independent.
You make us read "Pinkalicious," "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," and the dog book every day.
You wish you were brave enough to ride a pony.
You love shoes and make-up, but you're just as rough and tumble as your brothers.
You could watch "Ni Hao Kai-lan" and "Yo Gabba Gabba" all day.
You love to tell "Knock Knock" jokes.
You love to give all of us sweet hugs and kisses and to yell "BOYS! Calm down!" when your brothers are too rowdy.
You're the boss of us...and I couldn't be happier.
Your birth day couldn't have come at a more appropriate time...we are all incredibly thankful to have you. I love you. Happy Birthday![Dress from Etsy]
She does, too. :-(
After receiving several concerned e-mails, I figured I'd better post something...anything. Thank you sooooo much for your concern, but we are all just fine here. Just silly busy. I decided a few weeks back that the blog would have to take a break while I tried to keep my head above water over here. I thought I would be relieved to not have the pressure of blogging daily like I had been, but I actually miss it. Oi. It's killing me to not post all of these sessions...and holiday cards (best batch *ever* this year).
Anyway, thank you again and I can't wait until things slow down a bit so I can show off all of these absolutely beautiful and FUN families!!!
~M
P.S. I've also received several inquiries about booking holiday sessions and fortunately/unfortunately, those are already booked up. I do have some options for New Year's or I can give you a list of my friend photographers that might be able to help you.
[Dress from my Sister-in-Law. On Etsy]
Her shoes and clothing are like little works of art. I couldn't wait to show them off to you.And then for good measure:
Daddy dropped her off at school this time. Said it broke his little heart. At least she still looked cute as a button. (Dress made with patches purchased from here.)
