Christmas 2016

This is the first year that I've attempted to photograph all of the family for Christmas photos.  There were several who could not make it, but we still had plenty of folks.

This past holiday season I decided to act on my wish to have a Hot Cocoa stand as the backdrop for my family photos.  The kids loved it!  So did the adults, as it was terribly cold.  The hot chocolate was a blessing.  Next year, I will take Christmas photos way before Halloween.

 

Here is a behind the scenes look prior to the start of photos.

 

It held up well, considering all the people and being perched precariously on a hilly spot.  I wanted the pine trees in the background, so we just lived with the leaning tower of hot chocolate.

 

 

Mom and Dad were one of the first to be photographed.

 

Lydia and Dalton were happy to hold up the JOY sign and have pictures taken with their Mom and Dad.

Mason Storm is enjoying a cookie break with his Mamaw while he waits for his turn at the Hot Cocoa Booth.

Lydia knows how to stay warm between sessions.

Mackenzie and Katie get to hang out together the next day.

Carson shows everyone how to really enjoy your hot cocoa.

And here he is peaking around the sign during their family session.

Carson asked to have his picture taken with Mommy and Daddy.  ALONE.  Said like a true sibling who is #3 of 4 boys!  Actually this was my favorite picture and I wish that I had thought of this idea--take each child with just their  parents.  Good one, Carson.  I'll save it for next year.

Carson decorating the pine tree.

 

Nathan and Cassie enjoying some hot chocolate.

And making do without mistletoe.

 

Dalton decorating the tree.

My sister Nikki with her family.

My always photogenic nephew, Evan.  What a sweetie he is.

Here he is decorating the pine trees.

Three of the Five older nieces decorating the tree with their Papaw.

Katie decorating with her Papaw.

And having her mug of hot cocoa.

 

Kayden decorating the tree.

Kayla, Austin and Kayden (who is enjoying his last few months of only child status!)

Here he is with JOY.

I also had a vintage Christmas picnic area set up for the day, with my collection of red and black plaid containers from the mid century.

Lydia and her mug of hot cocoa.

And hanging up her ornaments.

Nikki and Dave.

And again, but this time with their grandchildren.

Katie with Tony and Amy's Gaggle of Boys.

Just the Goodman Boys.

Indy decided to join his family for this year's Christmas photos.  He's such a ham.

He even followed them over to the picnic photo shoot.  Stinker.

Amy volunteered to take my camera so that the Prides could have a photo or two together.

Tony and Amy in a rare moment without any children.

 

Zach with his hot cocoa. 

Carson's Birthday Weekend

The birthday boy really enjoys his hot wheels and monster trucks............if you couldn't tell!

His lego themed birthday party was a big hit as were the homemade cupcakes that his Mom made for him.

We took some time out to take pictures of the boys while the weather is still nice

 

It was mostly a cloudy day, and sadly, I didn't notice when it popped out and shone on Zach's face during the photo shoot.  Otherwise, I adore this picture of them.  I had forgotten how difficult it is to get an active 1 year old boy to sit for pictures, but Mason reminded me.  Over and over...........What a squirmer!

 

 

As usual, Mason was his normal independent little self when turned loose.............He's a man with a plan.  And it does NOT include photographers.

 

 

On occasion, he would let Carson hold him

 

 

Or his grandparents

 

 

Just not Aunt Jackie.

 



 

Football Season 2016

We were fortunate enough to visit family on a weekend when my nephew, Evan, had a home football game.

 

 

Right from the start, he looked like a miniature NFL player.

 

 

His team played really well and with his quarterback skills leading the way, several of the other players were able to run the ball for touchdowns.

 

 

He seems to really enjoy football.

From what I could tell from the bleachers, it looked like the boys all knew their playbook really well.

It looks like he is falling here, but it's just a really sharp turn.  Makes my knees hurt just looking at it.

Despite the warm fall day, the players gave it their all.

Here he is watching for the ball.

Another touchdown effort by a player--go Bees!

 

Good game Bethel Bees!  So proud of you!