The holidays are a time for family- thankfully, my family has always been defined by me, rather than a silly tree of ancestors. I may have been an only child, but I have worked hard to grow my personal collection of extraordinary individuals so that every branch is blossoming with love. It sounds silly, but I collect people, and once I've collected you, you are a part of my 'family' forever, through thick and thin, just as much as any blood or piece of paper.
With one of my key branches having relocated from SoCal to Texas this past Fall, my heart has been aching to see Sabrina, her mother, and family. For 6 weeks I kept a secret that I would be arriving in town for Savannah's (Sabrina's mother) birthday, and it truly paid off when I was nearly tackled at the front door upon arrival. Not only has the past week been a much needed vacation for me, it's hard to argue the days we shared didn't define the holidays themselves. So many priceless moments shared!
I captured some of the family's moments on film for their own photo albums, and family who could not be present. I found it especially adorable how young Noah spent so much time trying to find 'the perfect' place for each ornament on the tree. Even more so hilarious, the cluster of his 4 candy canes directly behind him, which would indicate otherwise. I assure you every placement was agonized over!
Princess in training, stepsister Kiara, was more than willing to ham for the camera, and especially enamored by her new baby brother, Nathan. Nathan, however, was simply glad to be mesmerized by the festive music and glowing lights.
It's not often the entire family gets to spend a holiday together, so this truly is a joyful holiday, and one of the benefits of the family moving to Texas. I couldn't be happier to see the new family together for such a big occasion, mom, dad, new baby brother, and step sister/brother. The love in this family warms my heart, and I will surely miss them every day until the next we are together.
Sophie, on the other hand, was less than thrilled about the increase in small hands reaching or her, and the fact that she, clearly, was no longer the star of the event. Don't worry, she'll get her revenge in that tree when all the humans are sleeping...From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.
