Christmas Day 2014

The start our home Christmas time starts with the reading of "The Newborn King" after the Christmas meal and telling Jesus Happy Birthday. 

I admit, I am a little upset and jealous that they let another family member read the traditional story. All still and snuggle with her. Giving her their undivided attention. Except the baby noticing the camera person. 

Because when I tried in the beginning to have that special traditional story moment, I didn't get any snuggle quiet sweet moments for very long. 

Then the gifts started going around and things got fast and busy. 

Every corner of the room was filled with busyness.

The big kids and the little kids. 

All around. 

Some staying out of the way as not to get knee deep in wrappings and toys.

And the host and his girlfriend hostess who graciously took his turn to have everyone over for this years Christmas.

Of course there were obligatory posed pictures.

In groups of three.

Inside and outside. 

The baby three taken 300 times. 

The baby sisters two.

All the men. 

Her first Christmas.

A few other shots.

One of the adult gifts for the host. Fits him perfectly. 

My once a year group photo that I beg for. 

It would only take a second or two if even the adults would coroporate. 

And me.

And me at the end of the day. All is well.

Christmas-ing

There's nothing sweeter than having  some impromptu Christmas events to share together like Christmas qtrees, snowmen, reindeer, and Christmas lights.

My last babysitting date awas trying to get "perfected" pictures 'round the Christmas tree. 

I tried and tried for just one face front picture . It didn't happen.  

Little sisters don't cooperate either.  People say I'm asking for too much. 

The Toyland Christmas pageant was a huge success. All contestants bringing new toys and food to share with those less fortunate and having fun at a Christmas pageant. 

Queen in the 0/11 months, most beautiful, best personality, and fashion winner went to Brynlee.

I saw this coming.  And my fashion winning reindeer outfit makes me feel goooood.

And the little princess Snowlady did fantastic. But it's hard being 26 months old and competing with 34 month olds is difficult. But getting 1st alternate in the 2-3 year division was an accomplishment.  

The most sparkly snowman ever. 

Ten days till Christmas.

Pageantry Lately

I'm still obsessed with all things pageantry. I like the prep and the before and after. I'm like can't get enough.

A fancy little dress up benefit pageant with LA Wildlife & Fisheries. There were lots and lots of cuties. 

Brooklyn got best fashion in the 2-3 year olds. She was the youngest at just made 2years old lined up with 3 almost 4 year olds. Though no crown she held her own. 

Capturing a few outside after shots. 

At the benefit Wildlife, Brynlee was great for a 5 month old with all the other babies    up to 11 months. 

She was crowned Princess, next to Queen. Wanted Queen of course, but Princess is the next best thing. 

Another recent pageant, LA Little Miss, crowned both with Division Supreme.  This was a long day with beauty dress, outfit of choice, and Wizard of Oz theme wear.   

What could be more fun than a Cinderella  Local Preliminary? Why, winning of course.  And that's what they did.

Brooklyn still the youngest in the 2-3 age group managed to pull Cinderella Beauty as her placement next to the overall winner.  It's a big win. 

Brynlee claimed Cinderella Infant Overall Winner.  

Two Little Cinderellas. One crying. One with silly faces. 

The Walker Pine Tree Festival Pageant proved winning isn't everything. Walker being my hometown with the pageant taking place on stage in the auditorium at the high school I attended brought back memories. I got to talk to alot of school friends who were there with their grandchildren. A lot of "oohh-ing" and "ahhh-ing" going on. Some were even on the festival board and in charge of things. 

Brooklyn was a reigning queen from last years pageant so she got to perform her Royal duties.  

All reigning queens participated in a fashion show from a Grand Opening of a new mall opening near town. 

Brooklyn modeling one of the fashion outfits. 

Reigning Queens also on stage to crown the new Queens. 

It would have been sweet if Brooklyn could have crowned her baby sister. But Brynlee didnt place. It's ok :(.   

This time last year at the pageant Queen Brooklyn was the big baby being held on the far right with the blue jean dress with the pink petti slip and boots. 

And this year she is a little bigger than her last picture as the 2013 Queen performing her Royalty duties. 

Pageants are just another sport. You do your best. You go in for the win.  And sometimes it's not all about the win.  It's about friends and about learning something new about yourself and seeing a new you. And this time seeing how far Brooklyn has come in a year. 

Sorry to bore you with my obsession. But it's all in enjoyment that we do pageants. And when "we" go home with Crowns, banners, and trophies it's just like every other sport out there.  You just want to win!