welcome to the last full week before Christmas! a time to kick that holiday cheer into high gear by doing all things in the Christmas spirit whether that's shopping, playing in the snow, singing along with Bing Crosby in the car (by yourself - haha) or carrying on a family tradition - it's all done in the true spirit of the season. since reese came into our lives we've refined what this time of year means to us as a family focusing in on the experiences we create for our children because those are the things they will remember in the years to come. one specific event i remember as a kid was going to the Nutcracker with my sister, mom and grandmother. it was always one of the highlights of Christmas - getting all dressed up, going out to eat, seeing the show and spending time with some of the most influential women in my life.




this year, we decided it was high time reese got that experience and after showing her and macee Youtube videos of the performance i was sold! the two of them clapped, pointed and starred at my mac display in amazement as the flawless ballet dancers floated along to the sweet sounds of Tchaikovsky. minutes later i purchased third row seats for the four of us.




i knew we wanted to make this a big deal for the girls - something they'd remember for quite some time. both reese and macee have grown to love all things girly - don't get me wrong, they still cut it up outside but they're wearing tutus along with those muddy rain boots. we've embraced this fascination with encouraging dress up, kitchen creations and the occasional foray into makeup artistry. for this special event, some new additions to the wardrobe were in need such as sparkling tights, glittering ballet slippers, fashionable headbands, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and of course, a new handbag.


oh this was so random but awesomely cool! as we coaxed the girls into endearing smiles (or at least attempted to) this man stood behind us observing the situation and laughing. he then suggested an idea he had that would make them smile and proceeded to play his Australian didgeridoo. the girls watched intently and then reese started to laugh. you never know who you're going to encounter when shooting on the streets of Tacoma!



i also couldn't resist getting reese a new dress and pea coat. the 1920's inspired ruffle tiered dress in deep purple was acquired at a recent side trip to H&M (one of my favorites for kid's clothes). it was one of those items you see and just must have - i knew she'd love twirling around in it and although clothes are just another distraction in life - they sure are fun! haha - so a new dress was added to the list of 'Christmas Gifts Reese Will Be Receiving Before Christmas.'



one compliant i've heard over the years from moms is that they are never the ones in the picture. inn most cases they are the storyteller of their children's adventures and hardly ever included in the visual storyline. knowing this and taking into consideration it's what i do for a living, i make an effort to be part of the action from time to time. for this occasion, i called upon the skills of my trusted and ever faithful assistant, Becca who was more than happy to help out. i can't thank her enough for spending the time with us to capture moments like this. i love you becca!





just yesterday i came across a video of reese when she was just about a year old. it was Memorial Day weekend and the three of us had been working in the yard all day - needless to say, reese was covered head to toe in mud. after stripping off her clothes and bathing in her kiddy pool she took off across the lawn wearing only her muddy socks. as she ran without a care in the world, frolicking with her boys (our two boston terriers) i followed along with the camera. her squealing was pure joy and i remember thinking, 'i hope she never looses this feeling.' in a very short time she's grown up in so many ways and i am so thankful to be able to experience this journey with her.


as anyone with kids knows, getting them to cooperate for a somewhat organized group picture is near impossible. haha - even with the best behaved tikes you're still going to have the excitement brewing and short attention spans. these two had been anticipating the Nutcracker for weeks and we're finally less than a few hours from it's start - their excitement was spilling over!





sometimes a bit of convincing and the occasional bribe is needed in order to render some form of cooperation. we were minutes away from our reservation at the
Over the Moon Cafe so promising a delicious cup of hot cocoa was one card i was willing to pull. it still didn't convince mae mae to take a picture with her mom but then again that strong constitution will pay off in the years to come - or at least that's what my mom used to say about me. hehee.




wow! there are some facial expressions that your kid makes and they just stop you - and all you can think is 'wow, she looks just like her dad!' haha and you know it's true when all your friends see it and say the same thing. reese has always made a few signature looks - these are a few of my favorites. hahaa.



alright grandparents - here it is, the one i know you'll want framed and on the mantle. Merry Christmas!


photographing kids can be very trying - hahaa. if they do not want to do what you suggest then you just have to keep trying until you find something that works. in macee's case, it was a game of hide and seek. i crept up behind her as she sat at the top of the steps and continued to joke with her - when she turned to see me she flashed this grin which is just the one i was looking for!



at this point in our mini session (mind you, all these took place in less than a half hour) the girls were done with their moms and decided it was time for a sit. the perched themselves on the window of the cafe and talked amongst themselves. despite every attempt we made they were done - and when a kid's done with a shoot your only option is to feed them and try again later. haha.





when i gave reese her new items my mom was on the phone with me - as i handed reese each glittering surprise from the shopping bag she exclaimed, 'for meeeee! tanks mommy!' my mom couldn't stop laughing and commented countless times on how precious reese's response was. i have to admit giving your children gifts is much easier when they are truly grateful for them. surprising reese with special gifts throughout the year is something i love - from a cocoa date with mommy to an unexpected trip to the book store to pick out a new fairytale adventure. she knows she's loved in many ways but these times make her feel it that much more - kinda like coming home late from work and finding your husband's made dinner, cleaned the house and put the kids to bed. it doesn't take a lot of money just time, effort and that showing of love through giving of the gifts you have.

as we waited on our delicious entrees from the
Over the Moon Cafe, i realized we'd had our coats on for the entire shoot. of course, the temperature was in the low 30s which would call for wool coats but still - our dresses were so cute so we had to run outside for a few more.


we had less than 45 minutes to eat and get to the show - and were able to do it thanks to the impeccable service at the cafe. our waitress catered to our every need quickly and with precise care such as preparing specialty hot cocoas for the girls with just a touch of half & half to cool them off and of course, whipped cream on top. i love the cafe for business meetings and romantic dinners but fell in love all over again when i saw how gracious they were to our group of five including two exuberant toddlers. thank you
Over the Moon Cafe for making our night that much more special!
the show we beautiful and reese was truly taken by the falling snow of the sugar plum fairies and the multiple dancers in the parade of nations. it was a memorable night me and and i'm certain for the girls. tomorrow we'll continue our Christmas season adventures with a few family photos followed by a trip on the Santa Train - stay tuned my friends!