Stockings For Four

A few years ago, before we had any kids, my wife wanted to pick out some material to custom make some stockings for the fireplace at Christmastime. I objected, as I do to most things, but then succumbed to the pressure.

She went to Hancock's and picked out what she described as "the perfect material for the stockings." Over the next few weekends, she and my mom worked on laying the stocking patterns out, measuring and cutting everything out, and finally sewing them together. They had a decent amount of material left over so my wife had the idea of just making a few extra stockings. I guess she figured, "You never know."

I made a very public joke about them making six stockings at the time. Remember, we didn't even have one child then. I said, "Are you trying to tell me something," all the while, being a bit more freaked out than I let on.

Skip ahead to now. This is what our mantle looks like during Christmastime. It is festive, not to mention it has four stockings already. I don't know that we want (or can afford) four kids, but it doesn't seem as far fetched as I ever thought, back those years ago. 

Take Three

December 1, the first of the last of a year. The dawn of a new season. Not a more perfect day was made for a photo shoot than this one.

For years now, I have been photographing this family. The two oldest boys were much younger and much smaller when we first did a photo shoot over 4 years ago. Also, they have added another into their lot...another boy. This nearly-year-old bundle is just happy to be in the presence of his big brothers. He wants to go where they go...he wants to climb what they climb. No doubt, he cannot go and do everything that they do, but that does not stop him from trying.

We met at the craft center on the Natchez Trace again this year. We have taken photos there in the past, and Amy wanted some similar photos of the youngest, "Super Charlie," as the middle one calls him. 

What a handsome set of boys and beautiful family. It has been fun watching them all grow, both in age and in number. 

A Warm Winter Frolic

Excitement is mounting. I want to just run around and frolic by the water on this warm, winter day, but I can't. I can't for fear that my younger sisters, or parents, will think me silly. That still does not take the desire away.

I would really like to be climbing one of those trees. I know mommy and daddy told me not to in my good clothes, but that is all I can think about. Ok...it looks like we are about to have our photo made and we will have to smile.....that TREE! It is calling to me!

Look at that goose! Can I go see that goose? It looks so soft and friendly. Oooh...that lady walking has a dog. Can we please go see that dog, Mommy? Can we please go pet it? I am sure that it is friendly. My two sisters are so much fun...they always have adventures for me. 

Those were the thoughts of the three girls of this past Saturday's session. They span from over age 12 all the way down to about 6...and they are full of imagination. The oldest one always runs full out toward me to give me a hug. The other two are trailing behind and just have tons to tell me about. 

I met this little female-domated family at our local reservoir, a large man-made lake near where they live, for our annual photo session. It was a beautifully crisp winter day, with the sun shining bright. It didn't hit me until I arrived that each of our 4 photo sessions, including this year's, was at a park. Each of them have been at a different park, and it is very fun to get photos of the girls playing on their own throughout the session. The following photos show how much personality resounds in this family, and I hope they never lose it.

 

PS-As an added bonus, this couple just celebrated 10 years of marriage recently. Congrats to them and here's to another 10 and more!