We went to DS's Christmas Eve service where Josh did the A/V for them once again. It had just started to rain when we left home, and when we returned, the rain was coming down pretty hard. Temps were about 35 degrees, but the roads weren't too bad.
Once we got home I took our traditional pic of the kids next to the tree on Christmas Eve. It turned out really well (on the 3rd try)!
As our family has grown, it's gotten harder to take a good picture with everyone looking and no one having a goofy look on his/her face. However, I've learned that the trick is to bribe the kids by saying that if I can get a good picture of them, I will take a picture of them in which they can act as crazy as they want.
Here's the bribery pic of the kids hamming it up.
E took a picture of Josh and me.
After we changed clothes, we set out our supper of sausage, crackers and cheese spread, apple slices, and Christmas cookies, milk and wine, which we ate and drank as we opened gifts.
E was very excited about her new digital camcorder.
Buy Josh tools, and he's a happy man! Actually, he asked for this heavy duty ice chopper.
J has decided he doesn't like getting his picture taken anymore, but I got this one of him with his Lego Millenium Falcon.
G really, really wanted Anakin's Y-wing fighter. He got it!
He was pretty happy about his new Lego Star Wars shirt, too!
E's godmother sent her the cloak for her Elizabeth American Girl doll.
S was super excited to find that he'd gotten some Star Wars Galactic Heroes.
(Are you catching this year's pervasive Star Wars theme?)
But almost nothing can beat stomping on and popping bubble wrap!
F wins the prize for the best expression captured on camera!
She's been saying for weeks and weeks that she wanted an iPod (something to play music). We got her an MP3 player, and she was beyond thrilled! F spent much of the night walking around with the earbuds in, dancing and singing. (I'd asked her the other day what some of her favorite songs were, and last night Josh downloaded a bunch from online to her MP3 player.)
After all the gifts were opened
I love this one of the girls together. E is showing F her camcorder.
Hard at work already
(Day 356 of 365)
Merry Christmas! I always wait for the kids' photo next to the tree :)
ReplyDeleteOh, those are great! A lot of Star Wars, I see -- my kids would be jealous. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the flash -- I know what you mean. I ABHOR my pop up and I STILL used it all day. It's tough here when it is SUCH a dark state, esp. now.
There are a few tricks for noise and yellowing, but are you using an SLR or P&S? If a P&S, the best thing I can recommend is a.) bring in a lot of extra lights, b.)try a different setting for your "white balance." Usually the "incadescent light" setting works best in your situation, but you might even try "sunlight" if the yellow won't go away. Or, better yet, customize your WB. c.) use a tripod and d.) If you use a tripod, put your ISO setting on 100 or 200. This will greatly elminiate "noise." :)
Hey! Looks like a great Christmas Eve! I really like the bribery shot. The kids are set up in a nice 'V' shape and have great faces. Of the gift opening pics, the last one is my favorite. I like the different angle that you used. The MP3 player surprise face was also a great capture.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer the goofy tree picture of the kids than that of the stoic one! is that bad? also.....the one of the two girls together made me all mushy! LOVE that little moment that you caught. Reminded me of my sister and I. Great job!
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the girls!! Very sweet moment!
ReplyDeleteWe always did Christmas Eve Snacks too in my family and are now carrying on the tradition! I love love love that you "bribe" your kids for the "good" shot. I have a feeling that as they grow up, those crazy goofy shots will become the favorites. I think the last shot is my favorite! People usually don't think of getting down to a child's level to capture the world from where they are at.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories you captured!
diana