Someone is always out of focus, or has a double chin or isn't smiling.
But these are a few pretty good ones.
behind my father's head as he took the picture
so we were all cracking up.
Best smiles ever!

before church and dinner out on Christmas Eve.
She has grown to be a 1/4 inch taller than I am at 5'7".
I am crazy about every inch of her!
John is trying to put a sweet face on here in spite of the fact that he was so upset. He had gone for a mountain bike ride and came home with very muddy bike clothes. I scooped them up and washed them while he was in the shower. When he got out and went looking for his I Phone, guess where it was? (his wallet too). His life is stored on that phone.
We put it in rice and it is finally today reactivating, thankfully. But that night, he could not shake off his disappointment until the church service. They played a short clip, movie about a man who had had a very bad year, no job, bills in the mail box, big family to support and then lost his father. He slipped in the snow and just stayed down. After that, John was able to enjoy his own Christmas with a fresh perspective. It is always so magical when Church can help give you that kind of gift.
never even 'blamed' me!! lol)
She has named her Ashley
(and sometimes Alex after her middle name).
Baby Rose has a new sister and Bailey loves being a mommy.
Bailey wanted to have her picture taken with him
so I got some really good ones of her with...oh, its a girlbear.
She wrapped it and put it under the tree,
then opened it about three times since we set it out.
(Too bad its a homely little version of our savior!)
John's parents sent a cheese cake so we had a birthday party for baby Jesus. Christmas Eve, late, we sat around the fireplace and the tree with Christmas music, egg nog, a few gifts opened and a story or two and then watched 'The Nativity' before bed.
I kept trying not to tear up.)
Christmas morning...
I only took a very few shots so I could 'be' there but I am so glad I got these...
They loved them!
Santa brought her fancy blue dress and a pink kitchen and Aunt Shelly sent the perfect cupcake baking kit. She has not stopped playing yet.



























































































































































































































































