Hardman Family Photo - Photoshopped - Try 2

No one guessed correctly on the last one all 6 people. But I got the originals from the photographer and did a better photoshopped version. This time only 4 people were photoshopped. 1st person to guess all 4 wins.

Note to my family: If you don't like your picture let me know. I can modify yours too before we call it "blessed."

Official Family Photo - Photoshopped

So I decided the picture I liked was this one:

I liked my smile, and Jared's smile. I liked the position of our heads, but I didn't like Xander's face, or the glare on my glasses.

This one was better of Xander, but our heads weren't quite right. So what did I do?

Photoshopped the two, and came up with this one:
I put the glasses from the second picture onto the first picture. And I photoshopped Xander's face from the second one to the first one. Thus creating our 2009 family photo.

Family Pictures 2009

For Christmas my sister Emily paid for a photographer to come and do family photos. This guy was AWESOME!!! He went above and beyond and took sooo many photos. Here are a few (and by few I mean a TON) of my favorite:

The whole big Hardman Family:

Then my parents:

And we had him take a Plumb family photo session. You will have to tell me which ones you like best, because I couldn't narrow it down.

This one is great of Jared, but Xander is a little off. I think I will photo shop a different Xander head onto it.

All our hands.

Yeah, I don't know on this one:

Then we took a sibling photo with Grandpa, but Xander chased Cordie onto Grandpa's lap, and it made the photo:

And if any of you know Grandpa, this one is special:

Then a three generation of Steven Hardman, Isaac Steven Hardman, and Nicholas Isaac Steven Hardman.

Then my sisters family:

My two adorable and single sisters:

Sister photo:

My siblings:

My parents and siblings:

Clark did an AMAZING job, and it was actually pretty fun. Let me know which of my family photo's you like best, because I really can't decide.

Christmas Eve - Post 2 of 2

We had a great Christmas Eve today. It started off early when Jared's parents left this morning (we miss you guys! And Xander really misses Tanner and kaylee). I cleaned the house (a little), made Christmas Day dinner (Ham and Scalloped Taters), shoveled the walk (since I didn't do that while we had company), and played with Xander.

We went to my parents house for Christmas Eve dinner (soup). And hung out there until almost bedtime. We came home and got things ready for Santa. It is tradition that we open all the presents under the tree on Christmas Eve to make room for Santa's presents. Xander was sooo tired (since he didn't sleep much while his Aunt and Uncle were here), that he cried about having to open presents:

After he calmed down, we were able to open the presents under the tree. It felt more like Christmas than Christmas Eve. We were very blessed from friends and family (mostly Jared's family TOTALLY spoiled us).

Jared got a meat and cracker thing from his dad (and mom):

They got me Stephen's Hazelnut hot cocoa:

Xander got a Candy dispenser and a little game from Aunt Joyce (we got an Outback gift certificate):

From Grandpa Plumb Xander got a helicopter:

We also got a random package from someone (we don't know who. Jared answered the door, and said he didn't know who it was. By the time I got there, they were gone). It contained this toy for Xander:

It also had the garage the goes with that, and fishy crackers. There was also a big fruit basket with misc food and fruit. Yummy. The biggest surprise came when we were opening it tonight though. We found three small envelopes. One had a Walmart gift card in with a LARGE amount of money on it. One was cash in the same amount. And one, and I think the most touching one, was another envelope with a small amount of cash and some change. Whoever this was obviously has some small children, and they contributed their hard earned money to us as well. I wish, I knew who it was so I could properly thank them. So neighbors and friends, if you hear or know who did this. Please relay my most sincere and humble thanks. I was INCREDIBLY touched by their, and their children's, thoughtfulness.

Also, our neighbors the Lloyds got Xander his own Nativity set:

Grandma and Grandpa Plumb got Xander a HUGE coloring book:

And a Madagascar Christmas puzzle:

Jared's sister Ang and family got us an AWESOME calendar from National Geographic:
Jared's parents also got us a yearly subscription to National Geographic Kids. I used to get that as a kid and LOVED it. I am soo excited that Xander now gets that too!

My mom got Xander new Buzz Lightyear pajamas (that is what he is wearing on all the pictures).

But his favorite toy of the day, and the one he wanted to take to bed was......

The helicopter from Grandpa Plumb. Thanks Grandpa!!!

Again, it has been a VERY humbling Christmas already. I feel sooo blessed by everyone's generosity this time of year. I can't wait for Christmas tomorrow.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Jared's Family Visits - Post 1 of 2

Jared's family came to town for his sister Alyssa's wedding reception. We were lucky enough to have them stay with us for a few days.

It was also his mom's 50th birthday while she was here. So we threw her a small party. Here is Grandpa, Alyssa and my mom:

Jared's mom, Alex (my neice), and Grandma Ruth:

Here are the kids all playing Wii. They really didn't know how, but had fun anyway:

This is how Jared and his brother were the WHOLE weekend.

And Xander absolutely ADORED Kaylee. This is how they spent most their time:

Then the lady of the day, his mom:

We also went to the reception, and to temple square to see the lights. I don't have pictures of that, but hopefully Jared's mom will post those pictures on her blog.

Thanks again for coming guys, especially for staying that extra day. We had soooo much fun with you!