Sunday, December 16, 2007

O' Christmas Tree

I'm late, I'm late and Christmas is just 9 days away!! I'm behind this year, but I'm making progress. Our Christmas cards are made, but not addressed; shopping is still incomplete, although I did put a big dent in it this weekend; the dreaded Christmas card photo shoot took place this afternoon; I'm just about finished decorating; and the pecans for my Bourbon Balls are marinating as I type.

We FINALLY got our Christmas tree Friday night and decorated it on Saturday. So there IS light at the end of the tunnel. And the light in Oakley's eye's speaks volumes.

She is overjoyed with our tree and I think she's already memorized every ornament. She goes round and round the tree as she repeats, "Don't touch it .... just look." Last year we celebrated Christmas without Oakley, knowing that she was halfway around the world, without her family, and without knowing what a very special day it was. It was a difficult holiday for us, but we found comfort in knowing it would be the last Christmas she would ever spend alone. Words can't describe how wonderful it is to have her home with us this year.

I must admit that adding another child to the mix made our annual Christmas card photo shoot a little more interesting. Oakley was dressed and ready long before any of the boys, so I positioned her in front of the tree to get some solo shots. By the time her brothers were ready, she was done with the photo shoot and more than ready to move on to something else ... lunch, in particular.

Bless her heart, I bribed her with a sandwich and chips, and she managed to find a few more smiles. Amazingly, I was able to get a few photos with everyone's eyes open, and everyone smiling (albeit some of the smiles were obviously forced!)

I haven't decided which shot we'll use yet, but I need to get busy if I want to get them in the mail before Christmas!! Care to let me know your favorite?

Next year I vow to have a professional photographer take our Christmas card photo. I don't think I've used a professional photographer since Sullivan was just a baby! It's about time.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww, Miss Oakley is so cute!
I love how long her hair is getting, and her sweet smile!

Anonymous said...

I love all three shots, but my favorite is the last one. Too cute! Her hair looks so pretty. :-)

Lilly

ang :o) said...

my favorite is definitely the middle one...the two of them holding hands and her arm around the other...so sweet! my next favorite is the last one...i love how they are surrounding her! beautiful family!

Anonymous said...

The middle one is definitely the best composition and Hagan and Oakley holding hands is a great centerpiece. By the way...Sawyer's haircut looks really good.

Cynthia said...

What gorgeous kids! How can you pick a favorite? ALL the pictures are amazing! She is going to be the most protective "little sister" of all time!

The Ferrill's said...

ALL the pics are so sweet! You have the most gorgeous kids ever! I love the holding hands shot, though. Very sweet!
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who is LATE on cards, etc! :)
I love the post below with Oakley's hairdo! That is priceless!
Laine

Anonymous said...

I like the middle picture the best!
Have the kids made out their wish
lists? This will be such a great
Christmas as it will be Oakley's
first with her family. So many
firsts to share with her.
Blessings to all of you!
elizabeth

Somewhere In The Sun said...

What a beautiful family! Oakley is just beautiful!! Your kids are like mine...3 boys and SOON a little girl.

~Lynn

Anonymous said...

I definitely like the middle one best although I didn't even notice the hand holding until I read the comments. I just think everyone looks the most natural in that one. And oh my gosh! The top picture of Oakley alone...she looks so grown up!!

Love,
Marla

Jennifer said...

I vote for the hand holding as well. ;) So cute... last year Sawyer's hair was long and Hagan's was short...now they've flip-flopped. Oakley's hair looks adorable... and we think Sullivan is a doll, as always!

All 4 My Gals said...

Another vote for the middle one. :)

Thanks for calling today. Sorry I didn't get to call you back. Miss Em needed to be loud and needed to talk!

Love you! Nicole

Mom 2 six said...

Hand holding !
How cute. Oakley looks so happy.
What a good looking bunch.

Anonymous said...

The middle one with the clasped hands -- I LOVE it!

For what possible reason would you get a professional photographer? Your pictures are always awesome!

Lisa P.

MomOf4 said...

All of the photos of your kids are wonderful! You cannot go wrong with any of them!

Anonymous said...

My favorite one is where they are holding hands. They all look so happy in that photo. :) Such a beautiful family.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family! Oakley is getting so big and cuter every time you post!

Best wishes for a great 2008!

Smiles! :o)
Nikki