Taking the camera outside to play with settings

I am loving playing around with my camera after reading this great book! It's like getting the camera all over again!

Catching Chiara in motion

My model

I can always count on Leah for a FUN shot!

This was her idea for a pose

Seriously, gorgeous.

My favorite model!!!!!

Playing Around with My Camera Settings

David got me this GREAT book for Christmas on how to use my Rebel T2i! It is awesome! Goodbye auto settings and hello creative! Today I have been exploring and snapping like crazy. It helps that I have the best looking models.

Pre-Christmas Celebration at Nanny & Grampy's

Tradition. I love it. Every year after the Christmas show we have dinner with Nanny and Grampy and then a celebration at their home. In the past we have slept over their house, but Uncle David is staying there this year. It has become a tradition to have Chinese food, open stocking gifts...and whatever other fun Nanny has planned!

The tree before the girls helped Nanny decorate it with ornaments and their name bulbs.

Emma's first Christmas gift! She went right for it!!!

The big girls opening gifts from Nanny and Grampy

The big girls were excited for Emma...it was so fun to watch them with her

The girls "helping" Uncle David open his gifts

Leah putting her bulb on the tree

Chiara....

Mayah....

Thinking of those not here with us this year.....

Christmas Pictures

Every year we head out to Phoenix First Assembly to see the wonderful Christmas show. Broadway worthy! The kids had a fantastic time...Leah was entranced and Emma was super well behaved! It was a great time and a wonderful photo op. I also did some creative editing.

Meeting the Queen

This past weekend was nothing special. No major events going on. No where to be. Perfect timing since 3 of us where under the weather. So, it gave David and I time to play with the girls. On this special occasion we got to meet the queen...and even had a special picture with a princess or two!

The queen requested a photographer.....she paid in kisses and love!

The Queen!

David meeting the princess

David sitting with the Queen for a picture

He even snuck one with this unsuspecting princess!

Mayah posing with the Queen...she even got a gift bag!

My picture with the princess and below is my time with the Queen

Baking Day With Nanny

I have wonderful memories of baking at Christmas time with my mom. I can also remember dozens and dozens of Italian fig cookies. I love memories you can just taste!

So, here I am a mother of 4 girls and I am super blessed to have my mom and dad living here in Arizona. Perfection....well, we have all decided that perfect would be if we lived closer, but pretty darn close to perfection. This year Nanny came down the night before, took the two big girls out to a local production of The Nutcracker (ask her about the "snow"!), and the next day after a bit of school we started baking. First we made the sugar cookie dough so it could sit in the fridge. Then, we made peanut butter cookies with a hershey kiss. I threw some biscotti in there too!

Leah was really into this year which was great! Everyone wants to be part of the making, mixing, and creating. All 3 girls wore their "Baking with Nanny" aprons she purchased them last year. So cute! Leah lasted way longer than I thought she would and I think everyone had a blast! And how do you end a day of baking with girls.....a tea party!

Leah insisted on dropping the peanut butter cookie batter. It was funny watching Nanny "shave" some off after the drop had been made!

Mayah learning to press lightly

Chiara helped to "shave" off some batter too

Yes, Leah had to be part of the entire process this year