Merry Christmas, Everyone!

There's just something about my parents' house at Christmas time. Well, there's just something relaxing and rejuvenating about being at my parents' house, period. But at Christmas, it's magical. All of us...Mom and Dad, Becky, Mike and I...turn into children again. Christmas morning in the Soares house is epic. We spend hours sitting by the tree in our PJs, sipping coffee and laughing at the crazy gifts we surprised each other with. Today, as I finish up the last few sessions of the year, wrap a few miscellaneous gifts and pack up to head home, I am so excited I can barely stand it.

Wishing all of you a very happy, safe, healthy, Merry Christmas with your own families.

Gold Stars this week...well, this month, really!...go to:

*Holiday cards: Oh my goodness. Mike and I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the smiling faces and sweet words that come in the mail every day. Seeing so many of the photos we have taken for our clients, our friends, throughout the year is such a thrill and means the world to us.

*Our very first real Christmas Tree: This year, "tree-in-a-bucket" was relegated to our mantle and Mike and I got our first real Christmas tree. I've never had a real tree before, and I have to admit that despite how hilarious seeing it bundled and tied to the top of our car was for me...and after my initial shock at how huge it actually was once unbundled in our place...I love it more than anything. The fact that it smells SO GOOD. The fact that it's decorated with ornaments from our wedding year and the photos and memories we have made together over the past five years. The fact that it makes our house feel like a home.

*Tradition: Every year, Mike and I like to celebrate the holiday just the two of us by heading out to dinner, looking forward to the holiday and family time stretching before us, enjoying a cozy moment before the rush of excitement. This year, before dinner, Mike is taking me to "Zoo Lights" in Lincoln Park, knowing it's one of my favorites places in the city. I think this is the first year since we've been in Chicago that it hasn't been too cold or snowy to enjoy it!

Merry Christmas, Sean!

This was the perfect session to wrap 2011 with. Mike and I had so much fun with Marlen, Sean and their new baby, Sean, last Sunday morning. Baby Sean was just adorable, rocking several wardrobe changes, a Santa costume, and some awesome family moments. We loved getting to know you three (and Bella the cat!). Thanks for a great time and enjoy the holidays with baby Sean!

Ainsley

I just wanted to eat this little one right up. Oh. My. Goodness. Ainsley is just the cutest. She melted our hearts by wanting to play with us, sit in our laps and hold our hands, (especially Mike!) throughout our entire session. It was great meeting you, Regan and Gabe. Enjoy Christmas with little Ainsley!

Levi

I had a great time getting to know Levi and his family earlier this week. He was a very willing and chill little model, showing me his favorite spots at home, hanging with his best buddy, Kona, the family dog, and exploring the Lincoln Park Conservatory with me. It was really nice meeting you, Jayme and Mark! Have a great holiday.

Gabriella

Gabriella is a top model. She rocked three awesome little outfits, gave us her best poses and smiles and never hesitated to cuddle with mom and dad. It was great meeting you, Shelia and Eric! Have a wonderful holiday with Gabriella!

Luke, Sammy, Drew and Lexi

Love this family! Luke, Sammy, Drew and Lexi gave us a lot of laughs last Sunday while we took their holiday photos. We can't get over how big these four have gotten since we saw them last year. Thanks for a great time, Shannon, Sammy and Michelle! It was nice seeing you all again.