This Christmas Lee and I spent time here in Virginia with both sides of our families. We had a lovely Christmas Eve over at his parent’s house eating a bunch of great food and opening gifts with Aunt Kathy. Then Christmas morning we headed over to my folk’s house (a whopping 0.8 miles away) for breakfast and presents. Then we packed up and were on the road to Richmond by 2 that afternoon! We spent the next couple of days visiting with both sides of Lee’s extended family. It was busy to say the least, but I’m glad we to see everyone… Well, almost everyone. My brother in-law is stationed in Texas, so it was a bummer not being able to spend time with him and his wife.

So I usually have my camera ready to take pictures at family gatherings, but this past year I’ve been forcing myself to NOT take as many pictures and instead, enjoy the activities. So to curb the urge to take tons of pictures, I decided to only shoot with my new bargain vintage camera! When I shoot film I shoot WAY less compared to digital. For two reasons: (1) it takes more concentration and effort and thus, more time – you only get ONE chance or you waste the frame, and (2) it can get insanely expensive! So this year I only grabbed 4 rolls of film and my Yashica mat 124 and that was that! I must say it was my first time trailing this new camera and it was so much fun! The waist level view finder was very different, but really cool! I didn’t know what to expect from this camera, but I  think it is in fantastic shape! I also don’t think I did too bad (ha) without my light meter. Opps!

This first batch was from my parent’s house Christmas morning.

Yep, that’s Mom with her camera in her lap… We’ve got it honest.

And there is Dad opening his new lens!

And it’s tradition to give the “varmits” (as my Mother lovingly calls them) Christmas presents too.

And these pictures are dear to my heart. A couple years ago Lee’s grandfather (Paw Paw) gave him his old ukelele. Paw Paw used to strum on this ukelele for his youth group back in the day, so he though Lee might like to have it since he is involved in our youth group. Well, about a month ago Lee started to practice at home. I thought he was just goofing off because he was bored. But as he got better he told me he wanted to play and sign for everyone at Christmas! “what!?” I thought… I would be way to nervous to do this, but go for it! So as we were enjoying our dinner at Aunt Kathy’s house, Lee pulled out the ukelele. Paw Paw immediately recognized it and was SO excited to hear Lee sing and play, “Stand by Me.” It was a very tender and memorable moment and I’m so glad I was able to capture it on film. When Lee was done Paw Paw said, “When you said you were going to play…. I didn’t expect it to be THAT good!” We all busted out laughing. That’s Paw Paw. :)

Paw Paw

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No I won’t be afraid
Oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
All the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me
Oh stand by me, oh won’t you stand now, stand
Stand by me