Trying for the Christmas card money shot. Alternate title: why I am not a professional photographer

Every year I try to get the perfect Christmas card picture. I'd settle for just a pretty good one, but it never seems to materialize. That is why you'll recall our 2011 card featured two Gator clothes wearing boys instead of one of the below attempts at pictures with a Christmas flare.

































Finally, a cooperative subject.





Oh, apparently if you give him food he'll look at the camera and smile.

Thanksgiving

Seeing as how we are nearing 2012 Holiday season, I guess I should hurry up and write about 2011's!

Luke had a Thanksgiving celebration at school. I was supposed to co-lead it with another mom, but we never were asked to do anything so that was the easiest party I ever co-led!

Luke in his classroom



Me and Brad (I am wearing the hat they made for the kids to wear but Luke wouldn't wear it. Luke and I have the same hat size...)



We had visitors the weekend before Thanksgiving! Thanks Marc and Melissa for joining us for a fun weekend! It sure was nice to have you visit. Luke still asks about Logan all of the time! I can't believe I didn't take more pictures, I have none of that cutie pie Graham :(

Logan and Luke watching a movie in the playroom.



We had a quiet Thanksgiving, what would turn out to be our last one in Atlanta.
Clearly Luke and Brad are exctatic for the meal.



My mom and dad joined us to celebrate.



The boys were a little happier with full bellies!

What is new?

A lot is new! Since May the Elliotts have moved to Florida! The boys and I moved Memorial Day weekend and Josh joined us in July. He had to finish out his committment at his job before he could join us. We purchased a house this past week but we are still living in our rental home until the remodeling is done. We are anxiously waiting for the remodeling to begin so that we can get in our new place. I start work next week, after 21 months staying home with the boys I am headed back to work. I'll be an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida in Tampa. I am both sad and a excited at the prospect. I hope things go well and that the boys, especially Brad, adjust to school. Josh has a couple of more weeks off until he starts back to work with Hess Pediatric Opthalmology Specialists here in St. Pete.
Its been a crazy summer, we are looking forward to getting fully settled here and starting the next chapter in our lives!

Now back to the regularly scheduled way behind posts!

Halloween!
Superheroes are really big around this house. Luke has his next 4 Halloween outfits planned out. Halloween 2011 he wanted to be Batman! He got to wear the costume for school and we trick or treated at home as well. Brad was a ninja! We went with a mask since I didn't think he'd keep a scarf over his mouth on. He may have looked more like the Hamburglar but he was cute.











In early November 2011 I wanted to try and get a good picture of the boys to use for Christmas cards. Going the cheap route I took the pictures myself. Thankfully, it only took 6 tries to get one this year!

One of the outtakes...


The picture we used for the cards

pirates!

As part of Luke's 4th birthday present, his Uncle Neil and Aunt Ansev took him to Legoland. He had a great time and came back with lots of good stories and gifts!
Here he is trying out his pirate gear with his Nana.

One year old Brad

To our little cutie Brad,

(31 inches, 21 pounds)

You sure gave your daddy and me a run for our money your first year! In every way you could be different from your big brother you were, so all of our old tricks didn't work for you. Finally around 10 months old you became a good sleeper and you have continued to be a great sleeper after that point. You didn't want to take a bottle...ever, so you and me perservered with nursing until you could use a sippy cup (at 13 months). You did really well with taking on new foods and starting some solids, however you NEVER liked carrots and now (at 18 months) are a pretty finicky eater. You have inherited your Mommy's sweet tooth, another way you are so very different from Luke. You are the smiliest little boy too, and I love your one dimple! You are funny and sweet and most always a real joy to be around. We are so lucky to have you Brad, we didn't know what we were missing until you came into our lives. Luke loves his little brother and I can just see what fun you two will have together in the coming years. At one year old you weren't walking or standing yet so playing with Luke wasn't really something you could do but you have always been really interested in everything he is doing.

We all love you so much Brad!

The Party!

So it begins, joint birthday parties. Unfortunately with their birthdays being only 6 days apart, having one birthday party for both boys is an easy thing for us to do. Luckily, the boys are young enough I don't think they mind yet. We will probably try to keep things more separate as they get older. It was Brad's first birthday and we wanted to celebrate him but couldn't leave big brother Luke's 4th birthday uncelebrated (although he did get his own thing at Disney!). So we had a nice party for the both of them. Thanks to all our family and friends who celerated with us, you guys are why we are moving back to Florida!

Presents! Luke was in heaven.

Family and friends hanging out at my parent's house.

Luke and Sophia playing (carefully) around the pool, they are too cute.

Matt gets a big smile out of Brad.

Brad getting ready for presents

Opening presents

the cake!

Luke getting ready to blow out candles

Birthday boys

Brad thinking about whether he wants to dive in

he needed a little help

but once he had one bite he was into it!

icing everywhere!

Yea! Great birthday!