(click for larger)

Now that I have my real card photo all wrapped up, I can share this runner-up happily.
I like this shot. For minimal effort, the results were fine. I couldn’t get a good close up.

Also, I sort of made a mistake in telling them I wanted to try for a Christmas Card.
So of course, my outfit-obsessed daughter pulls out her biggest, fanciest red velvet gown.
(Do you remember it from last year? I’m happy it still fits. I do love it, just maybe not for a casual walk in the park). She insisted with tears, so I acquiesced.

I’m very excited to place the order on our real holiday card soon!

***

Tonight I was talking to the kids at dinner about Santa.
Oscar still remembers The Visit, but is starting to have some questions on the whole big picture.
I steered the conversation to safety: “So what do you think he’ll bring you?”

Oscar: I’m getting Coal this year!
Me: Pshaw. (of all the kids… yeah right.)
Oscar: No, really!
Me: Kids don’t actually get coal. If they’ve been bad, and are in danger of geting coal, they always clean up their act for the month of December. If you turn it around then Santa forgives.
Oscar: {happy with that}
Oscar: Oh, and I want a remote control Helicopter.

Lucy: I want a Dress!
Me: Really? What about some fun toys? Santa has good ones.
Lucy: No, I want a pretty dress.
Me: Okay. What does it look like? Is it fancy?
Lucy: Um, yes. It’s really, really, Really fancy. And it’s purple.
Me: What? You have a purple dress. Kiera just gave you a purple dress.
Lucy: Oh yeah… I want a Pink One from Santa!
Me: (whew. close one.) What else do you you think you might want for Christmas?
Lucy: Treats!
Me: Treats, like to eat?
Lucy: Yes! Treats! Treats! Treats!
Me: what kind of treats? Cake? Cookies? ..Candy?
Lucy: Donuts.