Our family's Christmas

2011 was a year of bounteous blessings for our family. One of those blessing was being able to take my photography to the next level by opening my studio on main street Wakonda and through my photography I have met so many wonderful people. Through the year I have had the opportunity to photograph some children as many as 4 times! Wow, what fun it has been to see these babies grow up right before my eyes (lens). My head is a whirl with ideas for my business in 2012! But I'll share those ideas a little later. This post is on the personal side, a little bit about our family's Christmas.

Our tradition is to have our main celebration on Christmas Eve. We start by attending church at our country church that I attended growing up (my parents farm was just to the east of the church, we always walked over); Pleasant Valley Lutheran between Vermillion and Wakonda.

I love seeing all the families who live away return for Christmas Eve service. My favorite part is singing Silent Night with all the candles lit. Above is my great nephew Sam. As you can see, he needed a nap to get him through the rest of Christmas Eve.

And then it is home to begin feasting and opening presents. We only get a few quick pics done before we kick back and enjoy the rest of the evening; below are our daughters Emily and Ashley. Emily and John Freeburg were married Nov. 5th and live in Gayville. Ashley and Nick and Noah live in Beresford. I love having our girls close by! 

And here is my husband and I; proud grandparents to Noah who was a big part of my inspiration to specialize in child photography!

We are blest with two great son-in-laws who take very good care of us (and our girls); Nick keeps our computers running and helps with emergencies, and John spoiled us with a gourmet feast of giant king crab legs. Life is good!

From our house to yours, wishing you health and happiness in 2012. And thank you for letting me be a part of your family this past year - I hope you are enjoying your photos!