There is nothing more Christmassy than this for me.

The infant nativity play. It’s a fill your boots with the ‘warm fuzzies’ fest.  You can see a whole room packed full of adults with hearts a melting. So many happy and smiling peeps! It’s the most precious thing. You could call it ‘Christmas Spirit’. I wish I had a child in nursery every year just so I could be part of this annually.  All the children dressed up and singing their wee hearts out.  They put in a fantastic performance but I have to say, it’s all the unscripted things they did that made us laugh the hardest. My two did a good job. Seanan had to bring a lamb and say, “We brought lambs for him.” It was quickest line ever read. He practically threw that lamb at the baby Jesus. Niamh got so wrapped up in waving at Daddy she forgot to sing. She was just so made up that we were there. And anyway, it wouldn’t have mattered if nobody sang, as one little boy was singing loud enough for the lot!

The hall was packed btw. I had to pick a seat and stay in it. The video man spotted my camera and stared me down.  He needn’t have worried, as I was off the clock and not moving. I whipped on the 24-70mm for these so I would have at least some range from one spot.  I didn’t take that many photos because I wanted to enjoy the moment, but I had to catch some of those wee characters in action. That’s all I really wanted. Just a few prints to remember the fun.

Btw: This is the absolute best stage for Christmas.  Kids between four and six believe without question in Christmas. We are having a blast this year with them.  Although I’m starting to regret sky+ing ‘Elf’.  You know the way kids can watch movies over and over and over and never tire of them? I’ve seen ‘Elf’ at least 12 times this week.

We are off to Santa’s cottage on Monday night. Eek! I might just be more excited than them.

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This week has been all about preparation for the Christmas Nativity.  Nursery and P2 will be having their Christmas Nativity on Friday 16th. I’m not a ‘pushy mummy’ or anything but of course I want to see them pull off the performance of a lifetime. It is definitely one of my favourite events of the year. The family video will be out in force!

Requirements:

Shepherds: One tea towel, one belt, school trousers and a dressing gown. Because obviously, this is what Shepherds wore 2011 years ago when herding their flocks at night.

Angels: One white dress, one white top for underneath and one white pair of tights. School shoes adequate. (in case of Northern Irish ‘below freezing’ winter temperatures). Well, unearthly beings, visiting Bethlehem from cosy, warm heaven needed to be sure not to catch a chill!  Alternatively, if these items aren’t readily available in your home, you can always purchase a Sainsbury’s all-inclusive ‘Nativity play’ pack. A special blessing for Mums who still have wedding albums to design and presents to organise ;)

Acting directions: Holy, angelic behaviour.

If only this was true. Five minutes later they were fighting again over who was the most helpful to Baby Jesus. Shepherds or angels?

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I think I’ve been stalling on this beautiful session. Because I can’t find the right words. In fact, words fail me still.

I know alot of people are following the Walker story. I’m not going to tell it here as it is not my story to tell. But if you have been following Janine’s blog you’ll know how important these photos are to her, and to Andy.  Janine has already been capturing all the good times since the boys arrived and her photos  and updates are just so wonderful, funny and completely heartwarming. The only thing that is missing is photos with her in them! Like most mummy photographers we are always behind the camera. I’m so glad she had the courage to do this and I’m so glad she asked me. What I couldn’t believe is how well they fit, how natural they are together in such a short time. Some things and some families are just destined to be.  I can’t dwell on this too long as I get a wee bit teary. Good tears. These are the most adorable wee boys I have ever met. And Santa will be getting copies of all these photos of course as promised.

Murlough Beach looked stunning bathed in the low sunlight of November. The winds of the Irish sea were very cold though and I’m glad the boys were hopped up warm in the woollies. Btw: how cute are those outfits? Trust J to pull off the most stylish family shoot ever!