'Tis the season for a family photo... full of tears...

Rachel here.  I don't know why family photo time has to be so damn traumatic.  This year we headed to Smithfield Plantation here on campus.  It was a GORGEOUS day... I knew we would get some really cute shots.  Of course I forgot my tripod, so we had to balance the camera on the stroller... fail.  There were tears, there was screaming, I may have even used candy and/or a trip to McDonald's as bribery.  But look at these photos!  Totally worth the extra poundage and doing my little part for childhood obesity. ;)

 

 

These may just be our best yet!

Photo booths are AMAZEBALLS!

Rachel here.  My dear friend Stephanie got her wedding photo proofs back recently, and the pictures are BEAUTIFUL!  Of course there were a few that I had to steal because my heart swelled when I saw them.  Item #1:  I mean seriously?!  I love this kid... makes me want to have 345,643 more. ;)

 

There was also a photo booth that was ridiculous!  We hammed it up of course and even walked out with a possible Christmas card (not pictured)!

 We are awesome... yes... yes we are. :)

'Tis the season...

The season for the greatest two colors known to man to make their weekly appearance.  That's what I'm talking about.  Berkley here.  I'm new to this whole "HOKIE NATION" lifestyle, but I'm seriously digging it. :)

Weddings and naps don't mix

Weekend before last we ventured to Tidewater for one of Mommy's dear friend's wedding.  While we were stupendous during the ceremony, we fell apart slowly and painfully during the reception.  Naps were lacking... as was the only thing the sister EG wanted to eat... macaroni. :)  Berkley cried every time we went inside because the music was extremely loud by baby standards, so we spent a good chunk of our time outside.

 Which happened to not be a bad gig... because we got some really sweet photos.

Here's to a very special bride and her lovely husband... and to weddings without children. ;)

Christmas Card

And here it is! Our Christmas card photo in all it's glory. I thought it was super cute minus Reese squinting, Emma Grace showing her gut, and my random hair that looks weird next to EG's hair. Beggars can't be choosers I suppose... not too shabby... especially for a tripod pic!

Pictures of Christmas Past

Rachel here. Today we FINALLY got our family Christmas photo done... and a trip to Santa. Of course I can't reveal said family Christmas photo until we actually have sent them out. I ordered them today... so hopefully you'll have one in your little hands in a matter of 7-10 business days. :)

I do, however, have pictures of Christmas past, which I think are just as fun. Before kids, Bryan and I just sent out normal boring cards... but Reese was our cute factor... who doesn't want a picture with a cute kid in it?
'07
'08'09'10'11... turned out super cute... taken in our backyard... quite possibly the last Christmas card photo taken in this house... not to jinx us or anything. :) AND I'm just now noticing I'm wearing the same sweater as last year... PARTY FOUL!

And trips to see Santa...

Reese '07... 2ish months old
'08Emma Grace '09... 5-6ish months old
'09'10'11LOVE IT!

Happy Holidays!

We'll be spending the next 2 weeks celebrating Christmas with our wonderful families and closest of friends, and we hope you'll be doing the same! We'll update on all of our holiday adventures after the new year. Until then... Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!!!!!

Christmas card outtakes

Rachel here. This was our second attempt at our Christmas photo. MUCH better than the first go round. This photo was by far my favorite of the family, but Bryan was disgruntled about his moobies, so it was passed by.
I got some CUTE pix of the girls as well. I love my camera. The models aren't too shabby either. ;)

Can you smell what the Fil-a is cooking?

Emma Grace here. Yes, it is official. We are the biggest dorks in America... but darnit if we didn't eat for SUPER cheap at Chick-fil-a yesterday! Yesterday was Cow Appreciation Day, so Mommy whipped up these frocks for the festivities. It was so much fun.

These are the types of memories that we'll have forever.

How to get to Sesame Street!

Our second day began with a breakfast of champions. We ate the finest of french toast sticks with some of our closest brohams.

And look who emerges from her cave.

And then there were more rides.

And some games.

And needless posing.

PUDDLES! Now this was my type of entertainment.

C.U.T.E. This child deserves a pony.

We hung around until after lunch for the parade. It was really hot but totally worth it. Mommy was practically dancing with the performers because she's a freak like that. I was calm and composed.

I made sure my sister was fed and didn't get dehydrated.

We hit up the gift shop again on the way out. The open road was once again calling our names...