***I am so thankful to be a part of this blog circle "Letters to our Sons", with so many amazing photographers and moms. In honor of our love for our little boys, we are posting a monthly image(s) along with a corresponding, heartfelt letter. After reading my post please click HERE to continue around the circle, starting with the very talented Jojo Pedri Clark.
Dear Cash and Grey,
Well this past Christmas was your first Christmas together as brothers. As usual we spent the holiday in Wilmette at Aunt Gail and Uncle Elio's house. Grandma and Pow Pow drove in from Pittsburgh, Uncle Jim flew in from Oregon, and your cousins Alex, Laura and Nicki worked hard to have everything ready for your arrival. Even Rocky and Penny, the family's two four legged pals, were excited that you were coming to visit. But we all knew Cash, that there was one visitor who you were especially hoping would arrive, traveling all the way from the North Pole!
SANTA!
For weeks you'd been anticipating his arrival, maintaining your best behavior in the hopes that that might help - and that maybe, just maybe, because you'd been such a good boy, he would bring you a "B" subway train car to add to your collection. Your biggest concern was how Santa would know you were in Chicago and not New York City, but Dad and I assured you that Santa knew where each little boy and girl would be on Christmas morning.
During our stay for the holiday, cousin Alex generously gave up his room for us. We took it over with all of our luggage strewn about - a blow up mattress, crib, books, toys and enough clothes for a week long stay. After our Christmas Eve dinner with the family, the two of you dressed in your matching festive pajamas and put out the Christmas cookies & milk for Santa & the carrots for Rudolph. You said goodnight to all of the family and were off to bed for it would surely be an early morning. And that it was! During the predawn of Christmas, the four of us hung out in Alex's room, waiting for a decent hour to gather the other family members and descend downstairs. It was during this time that I took some of my favorite photos of the day. Candid, playful and imperfect. What fun watching the two of you in your bare feet on a messy bed, cracking each other up in contagious excitement. Your first Christmas morning together is captured in this series of photos, silly and unposed - just brothers in their natural and playful state on a very special morning.
[Click photo to advance slideshow and continue reading]
Christmas morning was truly magical. The family went downstairs to discover that Santa had indeed arrived and presents were everywhere - one of which was the coveted "B" train. You were over the moon Cash. And Grey, Santa knew you needed socks! How on earth he knew that is a big mystery!
It was such a beautiful Christmas morning spent with family, filled with love, laughter and joy. Of course we managed to take a few formal Christmas photos like the ones below, but it was the time we shared together upstairs as a family, playing on the bed, that I will remember most.
Always & forever,
Mom
[Click photo to enlarge]
