Christmas Pictures

 It's that time of year. Family Christmas photos. I really missed William not being here to be in the images. Since he moved out in the Spring I don't see him much. It's strange to feel like a part of me is missing when I look at these family photos. 

 I just adored the girls dresses. They both look like sweet little dolls. Clara loves to match with her sister or with me, so it worked out perfectly, especially since her dress came with a matching dress for her doll. She screeched when she saw all three of us had gold glittery shoes. It's so much fun having little girls. 

 Clara is already starting to not want to take photos though. Call it photographer kid syndrome. She has her moments when she lights up for me in front of the camera, when its on her terms. 

 I guess I can't really not mention that it's Christmas during a p(l)andemic. The world is still strange. Some people are still not willing to see their friends and family, some will be visiting via Zoom. It's sad and crazy to me. We aren't letting all this nonsense change how we do Christmas around here. We will still get together for meals, laughter, and hugs with our family and friends. 
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 We found a place about 45 minutes from where we live that had a totally normal experience for the girls. There were at least a 1,000 people, no social distancing, and maybe 2 were masked. Everyone kept talking about how happy they were that there was a normal place to take their family to see Santa and make memories. I think there were extra smiles and conversations with strangers among most people, just because we were all so grateful.

 Clara got to lead a pony around, and visit the petting zoo while we were there. She wouldn't ride the big pony. It surprised me, at least a little, because she's been doing pony riding lessons with smaller ponies for the last few months. I thought and hoped she'd want to, but it was still intimidating for her to be near a bigger horse. It's okay. As I said above, Clara does things in her time, her way, and she'll get there someday and ride a bigger horse. Both girls were a bit overwhelmed with all the things going on and all the people. Of course not one, but both of them had meltdowns when we brought them to Santa. So Jack and I jumped in the pic with them, and let's just say it wasn't easy getting a photo. One day I'd love to have a pic of Clara not crying when she sees Santa, now that she's 4, so maybe next year. But I adore the crying ones, too. 

And because it's 2020 I'll throw in some bullshit for posterity of the sickening year it's been ( and no not because of a virus). Masked up teddy bears for sale at Fred Meyer in Boise. This is disgusting.