Christmas "photo shoots" and Old St. Nick

It was time for the annual photo shoot.  You know, the one that all cheap parents try to pull off so that they can capture the perfect Christmas card shot without having to fork out a mint for professional photos.  This year's attempt was doubly difficult due to the fact that Chris was halfway across the world and I was attempting the three roles of stylist, photographer, and baby wrangler!  Needless to say, shooting with two is infinitely more difficult than one, but luckily I only have to worry about Leah, due to the fact that Sarah thinks she is a "supermodel".  She loves nothing more than getting dressed up and posing for the camera.  Check out the results of this years attempt.

I must say, I was shocked to have gotten them both dressed, happy and smiling at the SAME TIME.  This has been our difficulty all year with these two.  I am just glad that you did not see me prancing around like a variety of kooky animals to score a laugh from these two. 

But seriously, I have two beautiful and wonderful little girls whom I adore. 

Next it was time for some one on one photos.  Sarah was the perfect model.  She loved this dress and never turned down an opportunity to wear it.

There were many other poses, but I will spare you.  I actually had to call off the shoot.  I think she would have gone on all day. 

Leah, on the other hand, has to be photographed in short quick bursts.  Her attention span is lightening quick and if you lose focus for even one second, she is gone baby gone!

I loved this one, this captures the fun, free spirits of my girls.

Then, I dared the impossible...Take two kids out in the front yard, alone, without coats, in the snow.  I never got a shot with both looking at the camera, but I liked them anyway.  Leah was just happy that I let her stand in the snow.  She was still crawling at this point, but could stand quite well with her sisters assistance.

I thought they turned out pretty well.

I had to include this photo.  I have had both of my girls in this hat during their first toddler winter.  I love it! 

I also love the blue eyed beauty with the rabbit teeth wearing the hat.

Now it is time for the big event...meeting the Big Guy himself.  Yes that would be jolly old St. Nick, Santa Claus, the man in red himself.  We trotted down to the mall.  Sarah was more excited by the minute!  One note to remember, I tried to get Sarah to match Leah with a red shirt and black pants, but she had other ideas.  A lady simply must dress up to meet THE SANTA CLAUS! It was beyond frigid outside and I knew that she would freeze in a tank top dress with a thin dressy jacket so I insisted she wear the outfit under the dress with the intention of taking the dress off in the car at the mall.  This was simply not going to happen and yes folks, she won this fight.  I figured it was her day, no matter how silly she looked with black pants peeking out underneath a nice dress.  She could have cared less.  I thought this would be the embarrassing part of the Santa photo.  Boy, was I in for a rude awakening!

As we walked by the Angel Tree, we noticed the lady was ringing the bell for donations for kids this Christmas season.  We had just finished shopping for a child on the Angel Tree and it was fresh on my girl's mind.   Daddy gave her a dollar and she walked over to put it in the bucket.  The lady was so impressed with her that she gave her the bells to ring and told me to snap a photo.  So sweet!

Sarah was as proud as a peacock!

OK, so now is the moment we have all been waiting for.  The girls waited in line to see Santa.  Sarah was prepped and ready to go with her wish list (a Rapunzel tower and dress).  She was going to tell him Leah's as well (a train set).   Leah made this quite difficult.  As soon as I walked away, terror spread across her face.  As seconds passed, it only got worse.  I contemplated not purchasing this photo, but I am oh so glad I did.  I will never forget this photo and I am sure Sarah will never let Leah live it down.   Here ya go.... Drum Roll please....

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas 2010   :)