Christmas Baby

This is Alia.
She was born on Christmas.
What a gift!

Her mom is my sister.
I adore her.
She is now a mother of two under two! 
She is amazing.
And now I have another niece to love! Thanks guys!

Welcome to the world Alia.
You are one loved little girl.

And can I just say your mom is a complete rock star!!

She felt some back pain at 8pm.
Left for the hospital at 8:20pm.
Arrived at the hospital at 8:40pm.
And Alia was born at 8:55pm.

NO JOKE!!! All done in less than an hour!
Totally amazing!
You deserve a medal! Both of you! 

Meet Alia (and her mom and dad)









                 




Happy Birthday Alia!

Love, 
Auntie Stacy

Leavenworth

Six years ago, my side of the family decided to start a new tradition. Instead of exchanging gifts, we would spend a weekend somewhere together around the holidays. This was our sixth year in Leavenworth. It is a weekend we all anticipate throughout the year. My kids actually start counting down to Leavenworth on our way home from Leavenworth! We love it. The family time, good food, good wine, good company, Christmas spirit, sledding, Santa...the list goes on and on! This year was no exception!! A great time for sure! I had to share some of our adventure here! 

To say my son was mesmerized by all these characters is an understatement!

He LOVED them! And high-fived them!



He TOTALLY loved St. Nick!



As we roamed the streets of Leavenworth, my girl spies her buddy up ahead! No way! 
What a fluke to run into them! 
It turned out to be SUCH a fun day! 
These girls are such two peas in a pod.
And the two little ones....they are pretty much two peas in a pod as well, as you probably can tell!



We came back to our place and played and relaxed some. 
The kids had a blast outside in the little bit of snow we had!
We had a few horses next door that were entertaining to all!


Such great friends! Love these girls!







We soon headed out to Ski Hill. There wasn't a whole lot of snow, but there was plenty for the tube hill!
Now this was entertaining for everyone.....all kids and all grown ups went spinning down this hill!

And who was first in line? The 5 year olds of course!

Not to be outdone by the big girls, of course!



And success of the first run! All potential jitters gone....ALL ready to keep going!









We had so much fun with you guys! 

You go J!!


The moms even went flyin' down this hill! 

Later, we hit town for the lighting of Leavenworth. 
And let me just say - if you haven't done this before, you really should! So fun!

These two talked to EVERY character they could! Hysterical!
Even Ms. Washington stopped to chat! 



Now, let's get back to this picture! This pretty sums up my daughters bliss. 
Hanging out with two of her grandmas and grandpas in the same house for four days. 
Bottom line.....happy!

She is getting way too big!!! Geesh! Freaking me out a little! 


Buddies, silly, always in sync......love them!

And I'll end with this. 
Her cup runneth over, right?!


I am grateful for traditions
I am grateful for a loving family and truly amazing friends.

I'm just really grateful this holiday season!

Wishing you all much happiness!


-Stacy

Hodge Family Fun

So I had to take a quick minute to highlight this completely adorable crew! 
7 months old....3 years old.....and the grown ups of course!
I did some pictures of them this past summer and they decided to do a mini-session for Christmas! 
Who knew that in such a short time, we'd get SO many beautiful pictures. 
It was cold......kiddos were tired....but nevertheless, they rocked it! 

We headed downtown Gig Harbor and away we went!


Seriously - you can just feel their love for each other! 
So fun to capture! 



Um, no words here.....honestly he is such a doll!

Holy smokes - these two - bros til' the end. 
I'd love to here what they say about this picture when they are 20-something!
Classic!


All sorts of new milestones are happening for this little guy! 
He is clearly very loved!!!


And 3 years old
He knows what he wants, and what he doesn't want!!!
Today he was cold, but still sweeter than ever!


Those cheeks!!!! 

Some classic family shots!
Cracked me up!

I love how "real" little people are!  
They sure make for some fun family pictures! 

Ok....this next series....I LOVE!!!!
I saw them happen in real life and was counting my blessings for a fast shutter!
Jamie, you are gorgeous!
I adore these pictures of you and your baby boy!

Look at those sweet, tiny teeth!

And look at him leaning in and anticipating his mama's kiss!! Love!


Merry Christmas to you Hodge Family!!


Wishing you all a happy holiday!!

-Stacy