Christmas Day 2013

So this is Christmas...

Mosely's annual picture in front of the Christmas tree.

Levi bought us a belgian waffle maker for Christmas!!!

In case you were wondering what a photographer's Christmas at home looks like...yes, we take pictures of everything. 

After breakfast we opened gifts! My love language is gifts so obviously I love this part! Just for memories sake, I am going to write out everything we got each other. One of my favorite gifts was something that Levi got for us to do together! He got a microphone that we USB to our computers because we have talked about recording a podcast together for a long time! We listen to a lot of tv and movie review podcasts and thought we might enjoy making one since we watch so many movies! I'm excited to try that together.

Bethany: Kendra Scott Earrings, Rice Maker b/c I can never cook rice but I love it, A stamp of our faces, Circle E candle melts, mini pack of Baileys, Wilson's Chocolate, Belgian Waffle Maker.

Levi: Disc Golf Basket for the backyard, Seinfeld board game, Frosted Oreos, Tie Clip, mini Jameson whiskey, socks, candy, Microphone.

I'm probably forgetting something. Next up, we have pictures of the cats!

Riggins does not fight, he just gives up and goes limp. I love it.

After noon Brenda and Kristi came over for lunch and gift giving! We had steak, baked potatoes, salad and peach cobbler. We got to eat it all on my new placemats I just got :)

Clearly Mosely and I were both really excited about our gifts! Brenda got me an Instax Mini camera and I am obsessed!!!

Later that night we went over to our friend's Cattie and Caleb's house to do dinner and a Christmas movie. We all ended up being so full and tired though that we just snacked and hung out. We also exchanged gifts and took a group selfie with my new Instax camera :) The picture on the right is of my wreath I got for $10 from Target at the day after Christmas sale!

It was such a different Christmas staying at home this year, I loved getting to spend time at home and with Levi's family but I definitely missed my big family gathering! Hopefully next year the church will decide an Eve Eve service is better ;)

- Bethany

Christmas Eve 2013

This was our very first Christmas staying in San Marcos so we had some new traditions! Levi had to play three Christmas Eve services at church in the evening so Christmas Eve day we had lunch with his dad and stepmom and all the kids. Lisa made a big ham and potatoes and I brought bacon wrapped green beans, coated with brown sugar and butter. HEAVENLY. After eating we did a gift exchange in which Levi and I ended up with the world's warmest/softest blanket and some apple pie bourbon. Here's a pic of the green beans I made! Super easy recipe.

After lunch we took a group picture in the front yard. That's actually our yard off to the left. Fun fact if you didn't know, we live right next door to Levi's dad and Lisa! 

From the left: Kelsey, Nick, Lisa, Harold, Kristi, Levi, Bethany (me)

Then we tried to get a group picture of all of the dogs...which wasn't really a success. 

That night I rode up the the last Christmas Eve service with our friends Cattie and Caleb. After the service we were all so hungry and found one of the only places open called 24 Diner. Which is actually a fancy face diner where I got the best Chicken and Waffles! Side note: while we were waiting outside for table a homeless man came by. I was talking with him and he said, "You are really nice....may I kiss you?" Don't worry, I said no he may not. I just had to record that funny story since I forget all life events in about 30 seconds. It was really weird being out at a restaurant with friends on Christmas Eve, but I love change so it was fun to do this year :) We got back late that night and went right to bed! 

- Bethany

Christmas Pictures 2013

At the beginning of the month we got together with our friends Cattie and Caleb to take each others Christmas pictures! We shot at the empty area across the street from our house and it was so pretty! Levi and I are so thankful when we get to do this with our friends, taking pictures is one of our favorite things :)

Here are some that we took inside by our Christmas tree, along with many out takes!

This was the point that Walter literally fell asleep during the shoot. He was OUT. Meanwhile, I'm having to contain Riggins by the scruff of his neck.

Finally, the winner! It's not perfect (ahem, Riggins.), but I love it! This is what we sent out in our Christmas cards this year.

Merry Christmas everyone! And sorry if you didn't receive a card, it was a little frazzled this year! 

- Bethany

Animal Christmas Photos 2013

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with my own animals, so it's only natural that I seek out friendships with other like minded people. This year I was able to do Christmas pictures for two of my friends (well, friends/sister ;)). We set out to make chumps of our pets, and I think we succeeded :)!

I've toyed with the idea of offering pet sessions at Christmas time, and I wish I would have thought about it more this year! Although, I guess between launching a new business and taking a theology class this fall...I've been a little busy! I had a great idea just now though. Christmas Pet mini sessions, where all proceeds go to a rescue organization or local shelter. WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THIS SOONER?!? Now I have to wait a whole year. ORRRR, I could do it for Valentine's Day?! I don't know. I come up with these ideas and then I have no idea if people would actually book. But if the fee was donation only, maybe? Thanks for being my business partner internet world, help me!

Anyways, let me give you what you really came here for: Adorable and Awkward Animal Christmas Photos.

First up, Maxwell Hall!

Then we have the lovely Sophie Girl:

Hitting the Egg Nog a little hard this year...

Can you believe somebody would just drop her off on the side of the road?!

Lastly, from the Hall clan, is Gus. I'm not shy in calling out my favorites. Gus is my favorite!

Quite the jokester

Yet also a serious business man.

Next up we have Kristi, Milo and Usta!

Milo is basically a living prop that will endure anything.

I just....don't know.

Had to sneak a few people pictures in there because I love these shots of Kristi!

And finally, just a few of my own kitty, Rigs. He was sleeping and I just picked him up and laid him under the tree. He wasn't pleased, but he endured. I love his hateful little face.

- Bethany