Through the Lens of a Child

The one thing Cohen asked for this Christmas was a camera. We decided since he is only 3, we would go ahead and get him one of the kid cameras even though picture quality isn't the best. He actually ended up with 2- one from us and one from Paul's grandmother. We had it set aside to take back, when Cale decided to spend his Christmas money from his Aunt and Uncle on Cohen's 2nd camera. So they've been snapping away the past few days....and it is interesting to see what they find picture-worthy...

Cohen's most photographed item?? The floor...I have this shot at various angles, and sometimes you are lucky and get some toes in too

Next favorite....himself...

But every so often he'd catch a good one....


and a face would actually make it into the picture!

Cale's subjects mostly included people....and if no one would pose he'd set up his own subject...

Celebrations

We spent the Christmas Eve day up in Gatlinburg with my dad and stepmother... they boys love spending time with Grampy and Gram....and you can't beat a 60 degree Christmas Eve on the top of a mountain.

Christmas morning festivities began around 7:30 when all the boys were finally up....stocking first.....when I was little- and actually up into my teenage years- Santa left our stockings on the end of our beds....my brother and I would wake up ridiculously early and tear into them...then go back to bed. I have yet to continue that tradition...I like seeing the kids open up their stockings too much. Here's Lakin.... a banana and a bus- his 2 favorite things in the world.... it's funny how quick they learn. By the end he definitely knew what a present was and what to do with it.

One of Cohen's big ticket items....

And Christmas morning fun....they were in their PJs until about 2 pm when we had to leave to go to Paul's grandmother's house.

Rylan's big item....

And with all these outdoor toys...

I'm glad it's been mild....temperatures are getting up near 70 today!

24 Days of Christmas: Day 21,22 and 23

Day 21

chocolate pretzel treatsNormally we make chocolate dipped pretzels for the boys to give out to family, but I saw this on A Day of Wonders and thought it was a cute idea that they would be able to do more of independantly. They really enjoyed it....Lakin did really well opening up the kisses and putting them on the pretzels- usually he just eats what we are doing!

Now they are all bagged up and ready to be handed out in the next 2 days.

Day 22

"A miniature sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer"

This is what happens when I offered to help Cohen make a wooden sleigh since I wasn't sure how to make the wooden airplane he was asking for...

Once the sleigh was made....."Now it needs Santa and reindeer"

paper, googley eyes, and craft sticks.....and you can make anything....

even Santa.

Day 23

Today was spent finishing up gifts, wrapping gifts, putting together packages for grandparents. Cale decided to make some plain chocolate covered pretzels with the left over supplies from our previous treats. Rylan finshed knitting the hat he was making for Lakin. Cale made a craft stick monster for Rylan....

And yes I am fully aware that I skipped day 20