Friday, December 31, 2010

Holiday Wrapping {Up}

ahhh... the end of a very big year of change.

I look back on the year and I just feel like there was so much movement. It was so very nice to have the holidays to ground us with tradition and also time with each other as a family.

St. Nicholas
St Nicholas Day

We had our first Christmas at home with just the boys and Ivan and I and it was nice to start making our own traditions.

Christmas Jammies
The boys wearing their Christmas PJ's

There were joyful times with visits from extended family and day trips to celebrate with my parents.
Nico and Lola
Nico and his beloved Lola

I realized during this time how rich I am with so many amazing people in my life that bless me with their friendships. During the break from our normal routine, it was wonderful to share in the holiday spirit with them
Cookies
Making cookies at my friend Jenny's beautiful, warm home

IMG_1090
...with her adorable son close-by to assist :)

The Wee Ones
A wonderful morning of playdate mayhem at our house with almost a dozen kids running around, but SO worth it to have these yummy little ones to sit on my lap and their mamas to visit with!
Thank you Nicola, Liz and Robin!

Santa and the Birthday Fairy were quite generous this year and I received a pretty red ring... a Canon L series lens
Red Ring

Which I was able to take into San Francisco (all by myself!) for the day to practice new techniques I've been working on
Streetcar
panning the camera to keep an object in motion in focus


waterfall
shooting in manual mode to learn how to create the silky waterfall effect

ornament
and time to play in Union Square

It was a lovely holiday season and a wonderful way to wrap up a busy year.
I'm wishing you, my friends, a magical year full of love and joy!


3 crazy boys

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the boys matching pajamas!
Wow, lucky girl, a new lens!
Happy New Year to you all xxx

Stephanie said...

Happy, beautiful new year to you, Marina!

Annie said...

Sounds like a wonderful holiday season :) Happy New Year -- may 2011 be filled with blessings!

And can I just say how amazing you are at capturing your THREE boys together? amazing. I have so few wow photos of my TWO -- i love seeing your three in the same amazing frame :) thank you for sharing!!

(and what a great gift + practice -- these shots are great!!)

Joy said...

What great pjs on your boys! Such cuties! It looks like the birthday fairy and Santa were in cahoots on a great gift. Love the trolley shot! Beautiful holiday, Marina. <3

Jen said...

Happy new year to all of you!

Your photos are just wonderful. You have a real talent, Marina!

Nicola said...

Beautiful beautiful photos and sentiments, Marina. We loved the chaos at your house and hope we didn't leave you too worn out! Your boys melt my heart. Matteo had me totally last week. And your photo play....YAY! Fabulous shots!
Happy New Year, my friend!
Nicola

Bending Birches said...

just lovely! everything!

Unknown said...

I love the matching jammies, and the cookies look delicious!

Anonymous said...

I love the PJs! Your photos are beautiful - have fun playing with your new lens.
x

Heather said...

Those are the sweetest pajamas on your wee ones! Happy New Year Marina, I hope that it is a beautiful year ahead.

Organic Mama said...

Beautiful family; gorgeous photos!

Anonymous said...

May this year ahead bring you and your beautiful boys much joy and laughter and happiness. I also love love love the photos...I just got my own SLR yesterday and I'm inspired by your talent.
xo Jules