The other day, my eldest read about the durian fruit in a book and he's been obsessing over it since then. Things you should know about durians:

Naturally, we had to try it. Durians are not easy to find here in Austin, TX, but we do happen to have a wonderful Asian grocery store, MT Supermarket, and I read that they carry durians. For a homeschool lesson, we ventured out to MT Supermarket in search of durians and we DID find them...frozen, of course ;-). It was about $20 (eep), but we just had to find out it if was as bad (or as good) as everyone says.

After letting it thaw for about 12 hrs, we were able to give it a go. Um. Yeah. I'm glad we tried it, but I think the pictures say it all. Unique and beautiful on the outside, absolutely disgusting on the inside. I'm still trying to get the stench out of my mouth :-(. The little princess, by the way, preferred to keep a safe distance and munch on Jell-o instead. Smart girl.

At any rate, our $20 "trip to the other side of the world" was fun and worth it, even if it was gross, gross, gross.

For those of you who follow me on Facebook, you probably already saw that my attempt to take the kids to experience the Architects of Air luminarium at the Long Center yesterday was a bust (we ended up having fun on Soco, instead). But I really didn't want to give up, so back we went today. For you workshop girls, you know that this is no short jaunt for us and I was really nervous the line would be too long again. 

Well, it was too long, but we waited anyway. At least this time, I had my husband with me so we could hold our place in line and let the kids go run and play while we waited. But considering it was only a 1.5 hr wait, I think that's pretty good in comparison to the the folks in line behind us because it got baaaaaaaaaaaad. Oi. At least the cash bar they set up (including goldfish snacks for the kids) made it a bit more bearable.

It was fun, though. I don't think I would have wanted to wait any more than we did, however. Wish we could have done a weekday instead. (If you're in Austin and want to see this, the 20th is your last day, I believe). If you're taking pics, bring the widest lens you've got (I had to use my fisheye to get anything really) and be prepared for funky low light and lots of strange people in your shots, LOL. It was nice to spend this time with the fam.   

Got some fun things coming up on here in the next few days, by the way:

1. Later tonight, I'll be posting the gallery of our client selections for the 3rd Annual Pinkle's Pic of the Year contest! I'm really glad to have relinquished control over the nominations to my clients...they have made some amazing selections and I am so excited to see who is going to come away as the 2011 Pinkle's Pic of the Year.

2. Got some lovely ladies coming over in a bit to test out a fantasy make up idea for the .emme. boudoir sweetheart mini sessions coming up this weekend (I can still squeeze a couple of people in on Sunday if you can make it). Can't wait to post a sneak of Katie's creation.

3. And finally...a little peek at a project I'm working on for the workshop folks and for my clients. Interesting experiment looking at the print quality side-by-side from several different professional and general public printers. Wow! You can't see/feel it here in a picture, but wait until you get up close.

Back in a bit...

I have completely enjoyed my little break so far, hanging out with my kiddos and doing all of these holiday-like things with them each day (in spite of being sick). It has been so nice to get offline and off the computer and out of packing tape to play board games, watch movies, look at Christmas lights, snuggle, laugh, bake sweets, and soak up every thing I missed while I was caught up in the holiday photography whirlwind.

Pinkle Toes Photography will continue to be closed until January 9th (well, still got some sessions and still have workshops coming up), but please be patient as e-mails, facebook messages, and phone calls will likely not be returned until after the 9th.

Clients...I will be sending you the details of the 2011 Pinkle's Pic of the Year contest. Changing things up this year to make it more exciting and the prize is even bigger! Be on the lookout in your e-mail next week and if you don't get something by the 1st, let me know!!!!

I will try to catch up on the blog sometime next year (ha!) to share all of the incredible holiday family sessions and beautiful cards from this year. I have so enjoyed getting all of your cards in the mail!!! Gosh, there are a lot of beautiful happy families out there and that make my heart happy. Meanwhile, if you didn't get a copy yet, here's a peek at our holiday card this year:

I hope you ALL have a WONDERFUL holiday season and are spending lots and lots of time with the ones you love, enjoying old traditions and creating new memories. 

Much love,

Michele

[View through the aquarium last night ;-)]

Okay, it's crunch time. For the next two weeks, I'm basically going to lock myself up in my office and proof and design until I bleed red and green ;-). I will return e-mails as I can...clients will come first (well, clients and family). Just a reminder that there are NO more openings for holiday sessions. While I can take a couple more sessions for December, I cannot have images/items back to you in time for cards or gifts.

A different kind of reminder to photogs: we do have a few more openings for the professional lifestyle family photography workshops for March (the January workshop is full). Be sure to check out that page! Lots of new info has been added, including some video testimonials from several past attendees. I know March is a little ways off, but the deadline to receive the extra $100 discount is coming up December 15th, so you'll want to reserve your spot ASAP! 

I'm so looking forward to the holiday minis this weekend and of course, to showing you all of the neat-o holiday cards my clients are sending out this year. Thanks so much for your patience and I'll talk to you when I make it out on the other side. 

Happy Holidays!!!

~M

I'll be cliche...it seems like it was just yesterday when we...

met you.

I hold onto those precious memories so tightly, I sometimes worry if I will squeeze the joy out of them.

*You* are pure joy. Even in your sassiest moments (and lord knows, you have plenty of those), we can't help but to smile... 

That giant image above will join the other two canvases from here and here. I feel so blessed that you've allowed me to create this tradition and I hope you'll continue to humor me for at least another couple of years ;-). (Oh, and let's be sure to thank Daddy for snapping some of just you and I together ;-).

You are the most beautiful person I've ever met. You have more love in your heart than I've ever seen. You are clever, and intelligent, and witty, and creative, and brave. How did we get so lucky, Amry? Why did you choose our family? It is such an incredible honor to be your mother. I don't think you'll ever comprehend how much you made our dreams come true. I love you and I wish you the happiest birthday in the world, my princess.

[Speaking of princesses, dress by Palm Tree Princess]