What a blast! The annual Little Family Christmas party was this past Saturday night. It is always a good time to reconnect and make new memories. I didn't even think about it until I posted the above picture that there is a plethora of females in the family. Out of the first cousins, there are only 2 males. Our gracious host and stellar decorator is cousin Jenny pictured here in the back row closest to the window.

Her house is always so warm and inviting. It is all decked out tastefully in  Christmas antiques. It should be featured in a "using antiques in decorating " magazine.  Every time I  visit, there is something new  to look at. Most of the family members have a love for antiques, but both Jenny and her sister Cathy (and husband Mark) know how to display them and incorporate them into everyday use.

The traditional Yankee gift swap is alway a lot of fun and good  "friendly" gift stealing. There always seems to be a favorite item or 2 that everyone wants. Sometimes it's very surprising  what the favorite  item is. I have to say, it's usually some antique or vintage item, but not always.

Here Grace is very enamored with her coveted lap table. Emily is creeping on grace with the very popular gift of...........

Tiny hands. She was very entertaining. Who knew little hands could be so funny. What is she holding? you ask. Well of course, fakes snow balls. The swap ended with a very exciting indoor snowball fight.

New this year was the photo booth (room). This was my contribution and I had so much fun. Here  are Jen and Dave, honorary family members. Love these guys. I was fortunate enough to shoot their wedding. They are a lot of fun.

The start of the night was pretty calm. I love this picture of my sister and brother in-law , Patty and Robby.

Here is my nephew, Tom and his beautiful girlfriend, Mariel. 

As the night progressed, so did the silliness.

With increase of libations, there was an increase in pictures that really  can't be explained.

Eddie and his wives, past and present. Such good sports, willing to do this picture.

Don't ask.

The following are just some shots that I like of family members. 

Eddie and Patty

Gillie and Matt

The Fords

The Ruvich family

The Hardings

Dick and Susan, brother and sister

John and I. Thanks Dave for taking our picture, I am rarely in any pictures because I am always taking them. Mind, you, I'm not complaining. I LOVE TAKING PICTURES!
What a great Night!

I recently had held a mini sessions fundraiser for the Sharon Cooperative School. What was supposed to be one weekend, turned into several weekends of mini photo sessions and I am sure glad it did. I had so much fun. I love working with children and families. 

A big thank you goes out to Abigail Marsters, the preschool director. She hatched the plan when I approached her asking of the school needed a photographer. She met with her board and decided to give it a go. We would like to do this  agin next year, but a bit earlier in the fall so people wanting pictures for the holidays would have the opportunity to participate. 

Being new to the photography business, these sessions helped me to realize the kind of photographer that I am. I truly just enjoy being with people and having fun with them. Having this come across in my portraits is very important to me.

Two of the  sessions were particularly meaningful to me. The mom's were past students of mine when I taught at the Sharon Middle  school.  It was so nice to reconnect with them and meet their sweet families.

This is Andrea and her family.              ................ and the other past student below.......

....is Ann and her family. I feel so blessed to have been able to photograph them.


Below are some of my favorites from the sessions.

Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by!

Back in November I had the opportunity to photograph this wonderful family. I usually have a lot of fun when I do shoots, but this one was particularly fun because of the connections I had with the family. Mom and I used to work in the same school together. Both of us are no longer there. I was also one of the girl's 3rd grade teacher. She was an excellent student, I have heard the same about her twin sister.

We lucked out  after having to reschedule a couple of times due to bad weather. This day was perfect. The afternoon light was great for clowning around in. Dad and crew were very open to my crazy ideas. I like to be a bit goofy.  Teens so love when parents show affection for each other, not.

The family choose to have their photos taken in there own home and yard. It was a wise choice to show their surroundings. There is a lot of love in this family and it is nice to document their lives in their familiar surroundings.

Look up, look down, what do you think looks better? I like them both. They were so much fun, willing to do anything.

They even got a workout!

It was a pleasure to work with you Reyes family. I hope you had as much fun as I did.