The 2005 Christmas Picture

We tried to get a Christmas photo of our darling children a week and a half ago. That trip was doomed from the get go. Brendan not only had a major black eye, he had a red, runny nose. After layers of concealer were applied, we were ready for our 9:30 a.m. appointment. That's right . . . 9:30 in the morning at a studio 30 minutes away.

After rushing into the studio and waiting an extra 25 minutes for our shoot, the photographer mistakenly deleted the only good shot of Brendan and Lauren together. We returned home, humbled and exhausted. While Brian was ready to give up on getting a good shot, I stubbornly demanded a reshoot.

One week and one day later we were determined to get the shot. Eyes had healed. Noses were dry. Lauren's attitude was improved. Everything was going our way. We approached our new studio, armed with fruit chews and fake smiles. We did not want the kids to smell our fear. But our trepidation was unwarranted. The shoot went well. While tears were shed and bribes were made, we got the shot.

The following portraits are samples from our portfolio. You'll have to wait for the postal service to provide the final piece -- a smiling shot of our two adorable children.

We thought we'd never peel her off this horse. 

If Lauren rides the rocking horse, I demand an equal opportunity. (Even if that means that my knees are hitting the floor.) 

While this is cute, Lauren unfortunately has that "I JUST STOPPED CRYING AND SCREAMING" look on her face. 

Grandma and Grandpa Holt Visit. It was a great visit even though we had almost five inches of snow.

While there was not much on our agenda, Grandma and Grandpa were kept busy by the kids. Over the last few days, Lauren learned how to shake her head for "NO". She used this newfound skill a lot when she was not hosting guests at her little table. Brendan liked to demonstrate for Grandma and Grandpa his Star Wars prowess, tower building skills, and overall chatty personality.

Lauren and Grandma Holt. Lauren clearly had somewhere more important to be . . . 

Brendan and Grandpa Holt 

Trying to get a shot of our two kids is almost impossible these days . . .  

Brendan and Grandma relax on the couch. His feet were kept warm by his huge Wiggles slippers. 

Brendan and Grandpa build a tower. It apparently was some sort of Star Wars space craft that involved water. 

Brendan and Grandma read his "newspaper" -- a toy catalog. 

Thanksgiving Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa DuBay's House. The day started with the ritual beating of the Detroit Lions. After an enormous feast, we returned home exhausted.

Brendan and Lauren beg Grandma Holt to please give them some pumpkin pie. While Brendan ate his pie, Lauren consumed about half of a container of whipped cream. 

Lauren and Grandpa Holt prepare for the feast. 

Lauren offers Grandpa DuBay some tea. 

If you think that I am going to ever leave this table, you are sadly mistaken. I think I look SO cool sipping my tea. 

Lauren LOVES Grandma DuBay's tea set. 

Happy Birthday, Mom! It was a great celebration. We had a delicious fondue that set Dad back a few weeks in his diet. Brendan and Lauren were thrilled to be able to celebrate Grandma's birthday with her.

Lauren is trying to escape the obligatory birthday present shot. Brendan was not allowed to play with Grandma's main gift -- a Sotuku knife. He handled it pretty well. 

Brendan, Lauren, Grandma DuBay and I drove up to Mt. Pleasant to visit with Great Grandma and Grandpa Sweeney. We had a wonderful visit -- Frank and Carol stopped over as well as "Raymond's mom" . . . Maureen. Brendan ate almost two dozen carrot sticks and red pepper slices before calling it a day. Lauren spent most of her time trying to climb up stairs. We all had a great time. 

Here's the whole gang.  

We met Janet, Sean and Damien Bocan at Firefighters' Park for an afternoon getaway. Lauren enjoyed climbing all over the playscapee. Brendan enjoyed throwing leaves and other debris in Sean's face. 

Janet and Damien enjoy the park.  

Brendan and Sean attempted to pose by a tree for a picture. A few seconds after they sat down, things became a bit more physical . . .  

Brendan has Sean in one of his famous neck holds.