Don't we look festive?

Well, the Christmas season is in full swing and that means it is time to attempt a family picture for my Christmas cards. This year, Kole's mom Deb took our pictures. Some years are more successful than others. My own attempts are usually pitiful. This year went pretty well. At least we had a few smiles and it didn't end in tears. That's always a good sign.

Anyway, I am sending out my cards to as many family and friends as I can this week. If you do not get one by the end of the week, this does not mean we have forgotten you or don't love you. Chances are I do not have an updated address for you. Email me at KristyLynnNielsen@hotmail.com and I will gladly send you a card to treasure all season long- until you throw it away before the new year rolls around. I know how it is and I'm not offended. And if you are environmentally friendly, you can just look at the picture highlights below.

Finally a family picture where we are all looking at the camera and smiling. I am amazed. I could practically hear the Hallelujah chorus sounding in the background. Jack has been here almost 2 years and this is the first such picture. This is what is going on our Christmas card. Sorry to spoil the surprise.

Almost good enough for a Christmas card... I guarantee it would have made the cut in years past.
Kole and I rarely get pictures of just the two of us together because who wants to see pictures of us old fogies when the kiddos are so cute. But it is actually nice when I look at us together and remember that I am married to my husband, not my kids. Maybe one day we will look back and think we looked pretty good. That's a big maybe. It is strange to see both of us in the same picture since one of us is usually wielding the camera and trying to get the kids hold still for just one second.

Bribing with suckers made the smiles flow more freely.

Poor Jack, tortured by his sister all the time. Don't trust her innocent looking face. Like she doesn't have the evidence hidden right behind her back.

All tangled up... if only I could keep him restrained.

I guess this means he's had enough. We couldn't get the lights off quick enough.

Have a fun and happy and safe and peaceful and white and wonderful and warm and fuzzy and everything else holiday season. And remember, the joy of the season is not in the presents but in His presence.