Christmas 2012

On Christmas morning everyone has to stay at the top of the stairs until Mommy and Daddy get their cameras set up. 

 The anticipation was killing them! (especially Grandma and Grandpa!)

Finally they got to come downstairs. Santa Came!! The girls went straight for their giant stuffed animals and gave them big hugs!

Cam used his for a seat. It does look comfy. 

The ball pit was a little more exciting. 

Santa left everyone furry animal hats. Cam traded his frog hat for Brinley's polar bear hat because apparently he hates frogs.

 "My precious"

Santa delivered on everyone's wish list. Teya was so excited to get some real makeup, the only thing she asked for this year. And Taber got a new razor but then decided to grow his beard out. I'm sure someday he'll use it... :)

Teya made me this precious tile with a Christmas tree made from her fingerprints. 

It was my favorite gift.

Even Monty got a new bed and some doggy treats. Pretty good for a guy who was most definitely on the naughty list after peeing all over our carpets to "mark his territory" in the new house...

Grandma Karen made waffles and rice pancakes for breakfast, a Christmas tradition.

The kids loved it!

After breakfast the girls got straight to playing with their new presents.

Meanwhile the adults started putting together our Christmas dinner.

Soon The Hanks family arrived! Yay for cousins!!

The girls all wanted makeovers with Teya's new makeup.

I did their faces...

While auntie Naomi painted their finger and toenails.

Everyone looked so fancy!

After a delicious Christmas feast it was time for bed. 

The girls got new matching pajama outfits for their American Girl Dolls from Grandma Karen.

They were in heaven with their fancy make up, painted toes, and matching jammie outfits. 

It was a wonderful Christmas especially because we got to spend it with the people we love. 

Christmas Eve 2012

The highlight of Christmas eve is always reading and acting out the Nativity.

Teya played the most precious little Mary, and her Daddy was the perfect Joseph.

 Brinley was a lovely angel. 

 And Cam lasted about 2 minutes as a wiseman before he ripped his costume off.

At least I got one picture of the "wisemen" before he disrobed.

After his costume was off he still didn't want anything to do with family pictures. This is the best one we got. "I'm outta here!" Little stinker!

Brinley was the perfect angel, flying around the living room proclaiming good tidings of great joy.

 Then she had a costume change and made an adorable shepherd, with her little sheep, Monty.

 The nativity cast (minus Grandpa the narrator, and me, the wise man who was taking the picture)

 Once the kids were in bed, Santa's helpers got to work.

 Lots of setting up to do, but it was nice having extra helpers on hand. 

Soon the magic was finished! Merry Christmas to all! And to all a Good Night!!

Our first Chicago visitors!

 We were so lucky to have Mom and Dad Rigg come spend Christmas with us as our first guests in Chicagoland.

 They got to see Cam in action with his speech therapist. 

and Cam taught Grandpa how to use the iPad. 

 We took them to Grahams (the best chocolate shop in the world)

 Grandma Karen loved the homemade strawberry ice cream. 

Cam loved it too.

We showed them the cute shops on 3rd street in downtown Geneva.

We also hit the mall for a visit with Santa, last minute shopping and a carousel ride.

 Cam rode with mommy. Weeee!

 The kids stopped for a photo op. Brinley is cracking me up as the little reindeer.

and the main event at the mall, SANTA!! 

One more with Santa, the Riggies, and Cam's "I just woke up from a nap" space face. 

Classic Christmas memories :)

My photography secret weapon: Mini Marshmallows

 One day I actually did all the kids hair and they were looking all cute and adorable so I decided we should take some pictures. 

Unfortunately, Cam didn't want any part in it. 

"I hate pictures"

 "I WON'T say cheese! Let me go!"

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Luckily I have a secret weapon for times like these. 

Mini Marshmallows. 

I handed him a fistful and things started turning around. 

 "Hey...these are good!"

 "My tummy feels happy!"

"CHEESE!"

And that my friends, is the secret to a happy picture. 

Never underestimate the power of sugar.