Down-Town Christmas

Last week I took a little strole down Main Street and took pictures of all the decorations, and in true lazy fashion I am only now posting them.

Welcome to the North Pole!

This is the Santa House. In the brief time as a child that I actually believed (about age 2, pathetic I know but I was a very realistic child) I thought it was so cool that of all the fake shopping mall Santas in the world we had the real one, and his house stood there year round as proof (of course he only lived there during December as the rest of the year was spent making toys at the North Pole).

50ft Santa anyone?

How about a 20ft snowman?

The Court House really needs to get some more attractive looking decorations, the building itself is pretty interesting though.

I have a feeling not many Court Houses have a baby Jesus sitting in their front yard.

As you can also see I finally got around to making a new header, which I must say is growing on me, I originally hated it but after Laura gave her positive opinion I decided to give it a go along with new template colors to match. I also added a bit of music because I thought it would be nice and relaxing. If I get annoyed by it it might not last very long, so feel free to let me know if you find it annoying as well.

Well that's about it... kind of light on the explanations tonight. I'm fighting to stay awake at least until the ball drops. Only one hour to go!

Happy New Year to all!

Merry Day After Christmas!

As promised, a few more shots of our Christmas tree.

Dad opening up his second pair of gloves. Apparently this year what had already been bought hadn't been communicated very well. At least now he won't be able to complain that he can't find his gloves.

Okay, I know this isn't the most enthralled face, but she really was happy... the only pictures that really showed that were very comical expressions and she would kill me for posting (though I have threatened to show Grandma).

This is pretty much the least blurred pic I have of my brother that's not completely unattractive. It was hard to even catch him opening anything, he is one of those rip it open and be done with it people.

And this is what happens when your brother finds your camera and decides to experiment. You get this and about 50 blurry pictures of yourself, dad and ESPN.

My brother gave me guitar hero for Christmas and we actually got the 'rents to play!

Moms turn! She was so amused by her lack of rhythm.

Rock'em Sock'em Robots... need I say more?

Here is the rest of my loot:

I got new luggage for Italy and these handy (and cute!) luggage tags so I can actually find them in baggage claim.

That's it for now, though more will be posted shortly ( I am trying to update more often, I know I've been slacking horrible lately).

I hope you and yours had a very merry Christmas!

Let It SNOW!!

We are almost done decorating, and I finally got around to taking and posting some pictures. I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away!

It was so cold hanging lights, and of course there are a few sections highest up that aren't working :P I still need to get a night picture, these were taken as the sun was about to set so they aren't the best.

You can't decorate without festive socks! And these ones are my absolute faves:

I made this sled ornament when I was six, its still one of my favorites!

And of course, you have to end with Santa Claus.

I have more, but this is all I have the attention spand to edit and post for the moment. Oh and did I mention its snowing like crazy? As of noon we had about 12 inches total, 8 of which was from today (some of that might just be drift though because its been pretty windy). I am so excited to have lots of snow for Christmas, here's hoping it doesn't melt!

I don't see an old man...

So Thursday (yes I know its taking me forever to update) we had a full moon and it was absolutely huge and so bright I was seeing spots. I decided to follow Laura's lead and attempt to get some shots of it. After a lot of experimenting with different shutter speeds here are my best attempts with my lens (still praying a 70-300mm will appear on my doorstep one morning).
I know they are awfully grainy, but hey you have to start somewhere and I was just happy to get some pics that were more than just explosions of light.

Last flowers of the year?

Over fall break I got a chance to probably for the last time this year photograph my mom's flowers. I think they turned out pretty well, but you be the judge.

This guy spent the weekend with me... makes me want a dog more and more! What a beautiful model, eh?

Rubber Ducky, You're The One

Last night I decided to do a photo shoot... with a rubber ducky. I must say he was quite the good model. Not once did he flinch!

Minion Duck!!

The sky outside looked really pretty so I tried to capture it but kind of failed... oh well it's not too bad of an attempt for being through the window screen.