Wrapping up 2009...

While I watched those Wildcats play tonight (which included John Wall table surfing, dunking, and breaking a record) I went back through my blog posts for the year and finalized some goals for my art (mostly photography) in 2010. Before I jump ahead to the new year I thought I'd share some pictures that never quite made their way to the blog, but probably should have.

Christmas is HERE!!!

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

(No picture today. I forgot my camera cord, but I promise my camera is full of good Christmas pictures)

Christmas is Coming, Day 24

It's Christmas Eve!

The tradition has always been to go to my grandma's house for Christmas. We open presents Christmas Eve and then Christmas morning Santa comes (well, not anymore). As kids my cousin Chris thought it was a competition as to who had the most gifts. We would count our presents and then wait patiently (or not-so-patiently) for the green light to sort out all the gifts. The youngest person opens first and then we work our way up to the old folk. That's how it goes. Every year. This year will be no different.

Christmas is Coming, Day 23

Took this with my phone while I was out yesterday. Someone got over Christmas a little early this year. Or this is the new "cool" way to set up your tree.

Christmas is Coming, Day 22

First college basketball team to 2,000 wins? Yep.

Greatest tradition in college basketball? I think so.

Is "UK2K" kinda cheesy? Most definitely. But I like it. And I might buy the shirt to go with.

Christmas is Coming, Day 21

Christmas is Coming, Day 20

That is one big peppermint.

Christmas is Coming, Day 19

Joey puts a lot of careful, diligent thought into hanging ornaments.

Christmas is Coming, Day 18

We love our Wildcats. Especially at Christmastime.

Christmas is Coming, Day 17

I don't like snow. Snowflakes are okay.

Christmas is Coming, Day 16

When you run out of room on the tree...

Christmas is Coming, Day 15

Backup is hiding from Christmas...

Christmas is Coming, Day 14

Yep. Santa brought me that bundle of love.

Christmas is Coming, Day 13

This is my sister's dog. She's 13 years old (or something close to that).

Here's another shot of her (although, not Christmas related):

Christmas is Coming, Day 12

Christmas is Coming, Day 11

My absolutely favorite picture from the "box of Christmases past" collection that my mom keeps. That's my sister. And my dad. He's holding a gun. We're from Kentucky.

Christmas is Coming, Day 10

Christmas is Coming, Day 9

If you follow my blog at all you've noticed how much I love playing with reflections. I found two awesome (and huge) silver ornaments at Target and had a blast using them as props.

Take a look...

Christmas is Coming, Day 8

Do dogs believe in Santa or do they know they're posing with an impostor?

Christmas is Coming, Day 7

This makes me giggle.

Here's another attempt. They're both pretty fun.

Christmas is Coming, Day 6

My parents raised me right. At an early age they had me sportin' Kentucky Wildcats gear. You can't tell from the above picture (but I wanted to show off my awesome dad), but I have a UK bib on! Here's proof:

By the way, the Cats beat UNC yesterday! I'm pretty sure I might have a heart attack before the end of the season, but I love them Wildcats!

Christmas is Coming, Day 5

The Wildcats play those stinky Tarheels today. They would appreciate your support.

Christmas is Coming, Day 4

Everyone count how many times the photographer appears in this shot!

Christmas is Coming, Day 3

A little tree-trimming action. Mike doesn't do "candid".

Christmas is Coming, Day 2

My grandmother has a tradition of making an ornament for everyone each year. She has done this as long as I can remember and presents them at Thanksgiving. This is 2009's ornament and, yes, that is an Easter basket they're sitting in!

Christmas is Coming, Day 1

Taken last year at the Opryland Hotel

Thanksgiving Wrap-up

(this is what happens when I don't use the viewfinder)

I enjoyed a long weekend with the family over the Thanksgiving holiday. I got to play with the new babies in the family, eat lots of turkey and other goodies, shop on Black Friday, and watch UK fall to UT for the 25th time since I've been alive. Minus the Cats losing to UT, the weekend was great! Here are a few shots.

Meet Elijah. He's 3-months old and quite the happy little baby.

Bryona, is 6-months and is all decked out in her pink adidas outfit!

I love my Kentucky Wildcats - even of the football kind, despite their 25-year losing streak to UT.

Starting tomorrow I'll have a daily post related to Christmas. Maybe. That's my goal anyways...

MILLing about: Cheekwood (part 2)

If you live in Nashville and have never been to Cheekwood you need to check it out. I plan on going back in the spring time! We ran out of time to check out the Japanese Gardens and you can't take pictures inside the house, so I only got a few shots of the grounds.

MILLing about: Cheekwood (part 1)

Cheekwood is nestled in the heart of Belle Meade. I visited for the first time on Saturday with a few friends. Here are a few shots of the gang:

I love reflections.

Mike has this sixth sense of knowing when a photo is about to be taken of him. Rarely will you catch him not smiling in a shot. It's actually quite annoying.

Photomerge - my favorite photoshop tool.

I may or may not have a career as a private investigator ahead of me...

I'm enjoying the lovely November weather with my Uncle Ty.

Stay tuned for pictures of the grounds...