“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best.” – Tom Allen
We had a lovely time on the coast last weekend, all 4 seconds (okay, twenty minutes) that we managed to stay outside with teensy yet adorable children. We also took Jamisen and Lily to visit Santa. Obviously, that went exceedingly well.
Lily tried valiantly to save her big brother from the stranger in the red suit by punching Santa’s Elf in the face. Thankfully she’s cute or else she may have been put on Santa’s Naughty List for the rest of her life. As is, she got off with just a simple warning.
To keep the warm fuzzy Christmas feelings alive, we went Christmas Tree Hunting. We managed to get the occasion documented and all look remarkably sane, happy and like the cohesive, joyful family unit I picture in my head when I dream.
Of course, it took 471 of these photos below to get the one Dreamy Happy Family Photo above.
We’ll be putting up our festive tree tomorrow. Here’s to pine needles all over the living room, no breakable ornaments on the bottom 3 branches and “helpful” toddlers. Wish us luck! =)
Jenny says
You have such a beautiful family, Anne-Marie! I loved seeing your photos, especially the one of Jamisen crying with Santa. 😀
Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Amanda says
Hi Jenny!
Aren’t they cute? So glad you enjoyed this post! The picture of Jamisen and Santa cracked me up too. Thanks for the kind words, and we wish you and your family a merry Christmas as well 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Sindy Anderson says
AHHHHHH AM, you have wonderful taste in boots~ I have the pink Hunters as well~ I’m known all over town as the lady with Pink Boots~ LOL ~I lurve those things~! All my girls have em in different colors as well. Merry Christmas to you and everyone at BB~!!
Amanda says
Hi Sindy!
Aren’t they cute!? I have Hunter boots on my Christmas list this year. Love the pink ones, and I love that your known as the “Pink Boots Lady,” so funny! 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Monica says
On the bright side, Lily won’t have to rely on her older brother to fight her battles for her. 😉
Amanda says
Hi Monica!
Haha, this is so true! It looks like she is going to be a tough girl one day :).
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Suzanne says
Anne-Marie, I laughed so hard at your blog – basically because my daughter is now in her 30’s and I no longer have to struggle to get the one “Dreamy Happy Family Photo.” It is now her problem. I can just sit back and smile at past memories.
Merry Christmas to you, your lovely family, and the helpful staff at Bramble Berry and Otion!
Amanda says
Hi Suzanne!
My mom has a picture of me and all my siblings wailing on Santa’s lap, it was a Christmas tradition in our family for a few years! Haha :). I’m sure my mom was disappointed at the time, but now we can laugh at the photos.
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Suzanne Alexander says
Anne-Marie, I laughed so hard while reading your blog – basically because my daughter is now in her 30’s and I no longer have to struggle to get the one “Dreamy Happy Family Photo.” It is now her problem! I can just sit back and smile at past memories!
Merry Christmas to you, your lovely family, and the helpful staff at Bramble Berry and Otion!
Anne-Marie says
Ha – that’s hilarious. I’m sure my folks feel the same way. It’s funny how slowly time seems to go (example: the hours between naptime and bedtime) but then conversely, how quickly the months and years pass (example: how is it that my little baby boy is talking in full sentences and going to school half days?!). I know it will just be a quick flash of time and my little ones will be in their 30s with families of their own too.
Virginia Trujillo says
Thanks for the morning chuckle! Jamison’s Santa picture is a riot. You’ve touched on a universal subject to which any parent can relate. The good news is that you didn’t give up and in the end the smiling happy family prevails. 😀
Anne-Marie says
Thank goodness for digital cameras right? I keep thinking of my poor parents. It must have been so hard to get one decent one when they had to shoot on actual film.
Veronika says
I love how you always can stay optimistic and see everything in bright colors, no matter what :)) That’s what I have troubles with and have to learn from you :)) Adorable pics and good luck with dressing up the Christmas tree!
Anne-Marie says
Oh we haven’t even made a dent yet! But, the tree is in water now (yay!) and we pulled out all the Christmas decorations (progress!). We’ll be tackling the tree decorations any second now … well, that is, as soon as I get off the computer. But, the kids are napping now so I’m using this time to catch up on emails and blogging. Ah, so little time in the day with little ones =) Thanks for commenting!
Nicole Thompson says
Great post, fantastic writing, HILARIOUS story, gorgeous pics!
Anne-Marie says
Thanks Nicole. At the time the Santa photo was taken, I was bummed we wouldn’t have that perfect Christmas card photo but this is even more funny and makes an even better story =)
Erin says
These photos are so cute and hilarious. At least you were able to get one picture where everyone had a smile. I say job well done!!
Anne-Marie says
Seriously, my Sister in Law was like a ninja with that camera. I sort of feel like most of our family photos go that way with two little kids now. =)