It has sure been a wonderful Christmas season for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Advent and time with my family has been terrific even though a few crucial players were absent. Other than adding a few folks, I wouldn't change a thing.
I had the idea on Christmas Day to set up a "photo booth" on the 26th at my mother's open house and made props and insisted everyone join in for at least one photo. Too bad my grandchildren and DIL couldn't be there with Miss O sick (still sick- bad stomach virus). But, the booth is still up at my house until the New Year if they get to come over. I think they'll have fun hamming it up with their Aunt Amy.
Photo booth fun!
It really is a fun idea that gets people together and clowning around. Easy to do- I just hung some wide Christmas paper on the wall, gathered some thin dowel rods, bought three 1/2 price Santa hats, dug out my reindeer headband, cut a few mustaches, lips and beards from construction paper. Easy peasy.
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| Richey's ex-husband's younger children |
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| They got the photo booth going |
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| Cute reindeer! |
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| Pat with the boys |
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| Trying a little reflective camera work |
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| My hubby between two of Richey's (former and current)- we are an all-inclusive family |
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| Mom and Ruth who have been friends since I was a toddler- they've both moved to the same place! |
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| Sister silliness |
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Richey's son, Jim, wife, Michelle and little brother
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Then we had the set up at my house for an impromptu gathering.
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| Rach and Amy |
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| Amy's cheesecake pose |
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| Mary Ann and Jon |
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| Shirley, my former MIL, decided to be scandalous with a kiss from Jon |
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| A and R with Grandma Shirley |
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| A and R with Grandma Jenny |
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| Grandmas and girls |
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| Me and Mr. Jim |
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| My blood relatives |
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| Mom and the daughters |
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| Three generations |
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| Amy and her grandmothers |
And if you're still with me, here are a few of my favorite gifts- most handmade by the giver!
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| Love, love these coaster that Amy made me! The colors are perfect for me :) |
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| And some homemade truffles! |
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| Beautiful enamel pendant by Rachel |
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| That is reversible! Love both sides |
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| My beautiful bowl made by E and sweet DIL Kristen filled with color co-ordinating ornaments |
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| These are soft, soft socks and the gray polka dots just make me happy- Jim got me 3 pair! |
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| How about some felt and felted ornaments by Amy |
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| My fav |
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| Jim gave me these lenses for my iPhone for some cool iphonography- I 'm thrilled with the macro lens as I love close-up shots. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure |
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| Took this without the lens |
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| Here's a closeup of Santa's eye! |
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| Stitching on my coaster |
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| Enameling on my pendant |
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| Close-up of poinsettia buds |
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| poinsettia buds opened a bit |
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| Snow |
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And my front windows make me happy every time I pull in the driveway.
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Oh, these are a few of my favorite things........
Hope your holiday was filled with things you love.
