..with every Christmas card I didn't write.

Had I actually gotten around to printing and mailing my Christmas cards this year, this is what they would have looked like. And I would've wished all my family and friends the merriest of holidays. Shoulda. Coulda. Woulda.

A Boy Needs a Bike

My son is turning 5 this week and it's time to make the move from trike to big boy bike. But do not call it a two-wheel bike or you're sure to induce massive anxiety on the little novice. He has reiterated many times that his bike must have 4 wheels-two big ones and two little, tiny ones in the back. One step at a time.

A Tree as Far as the Eye Can See

It's that time of year, when those of us with young children or large families torture ourselves in the name of holiday greetings. A few friends and family members have trusted me with the task of capturing their representative portraits. It must be the killer pricing fees.

The Skidmore Kids

A Real Ladies Man

For the New Mummy

Who says Halloween is all about death? To my sister it's going to be all about new life this year. She will be welcoming a new baby boy just days before Halloween and I can't wait to see the little guy all dressed up in his spooky duds.

Gabriel's Gang

Each year our family attends the Sharing Down Syndrome Buddy Walk in support of my nephew, Gabriel. This is the first year my sister decided we should have our own team t-shirts. She decided on the title Gabriel's Gang and I went with that.



I'm proposing we all wear black bandannas, as well. Maybe flash our own signs, no?

Gabriel

This big guy is having his 4th birthday today. He is my nephew, Gabriel, and the happiest boy in the world. You can tell just by looking into those sparkly blue eyes. He loves everyone and everyone loves him.

Happy Birthday Gabey Baby!

Mmmmm

Haven't you ever wanted a cupcake so big you had to hold it with both hands? This boy's dream come true and chocolate, too!

Drafted

What little boy doesn't love an army themed party? This is just what my nephew, Hayden, ordered for his 7th birthday this year. This invite was quick and easy to make and leaving Hayden a little room for a personal touch, he signed them all himself before handing them out to friends.

(Pre) School's Out For Summer

Maybe you've seen this saying before, it's not an original, but it's appropriate and simple, especially on a last minute basis. Jonah enjoyed tracing the dotted font so that he had a hand in creating this thank you note for his teacher.

Paris Layne hair salon

My sister just opened up a hair salon in Queen Creek called Paris Layne (named after her daughter and her business partner's daughter's middle name). If you're in the neighborhood you should stop in and get some highlights and while you're at it maybe a teeth whitening. No offense, it's not personal, but the salon does coincide with a dental office (Power Ranch Dental to be precise) so it's all too convenient. She does a great job and is comparatively affordable!

Perfectly Pink

Hello, Spring! I wish I had at least 11 of these trees planted around my house. I couldn't resist the pink on pink in this picture of my niece, Emmy, at her 2nd birthday party in Camp Verde. The day was as nice as it looks in this picture. Perfect Spring weather and perfectly pink.

A couple more favorites from the party...

The tractor ride down to the river.


Building sandcastles in party dresses

Danke Schön

Oma and Opa came to visit. They took us to dinner and even brought presents and cupcakes! Jonah just wanted to show his appreciation. (No matter they were actually for Isaak's birthday.)

Samiches in the Park

This little boy comes from a long line of self-proclaimed sandwich artists. His daddy being one of the most arrogant, I mean, talented. Although Isaak is not quite up to the task of slicing and toasting just yet, that's not going to stop him from enjoying the fruits of their labors.

What a Day for a Daydream

Summer's coming, can you feel it? These boys can and it feels this good.

My Funny Valentine

I was determined not to spend any more money on holidays this season, so I decided to make use of the Halloween candy burning a proverbial hole in our candy jar. I took this picture of Jonah and photochopped it to take out the background and spice up his shirt. Once printed I cut slits above and below his hand to insert the tootsie pop. Usually Jonah only gets a lollipop when he [goes] on the potty. He kept asking me why I had the lollipops if he didn't go potty yet. Maybe he won't share that little bit of information with all his classmates when he passes them out, or maybe he will. I'm sure they'll understand.

She's a Maniac on the Floor

My niece is turning four and she's doing it up disco style. I think mostly she's excited just to get her tutu on and tear it up with her maniac friends.

Rock On

I once doubted just how addicting this game could be, but no more. I am a self-proclaimed Guitar Hero junkie and I'm not afraid to admit it.