Travis Dew Photography

Beautiful family gathered ’round for Thanksgiving…and a great afternoon in the country.  Enjoyed seeing all of you.

My family is ginormous…I’m the baby of 8…we are all married and each has children.  All-in-all….we total 36.  Thanks be to God we are all healthy and chuggin’ along.  One sister puts on a pre-Thanksgiving dinner for half of the family (we are blended) and the other sister puts on the entire day-of…we all are assigned dishes and that’s how my children identify all the different aunts, uncles and cousins they see once a year.  “Who is Uncle Jay, again?”…”He brings the whipped cream and chocolate dessert.”  “Aunt Lyn?”….”Squash Casserole.”  I know – it sounds sad – but it’s anything but.  It’s loud, festive and quick.  Yep – that’s the secret, people.

Thayer, thanks for everything.  Your house is a comfortable landing spot for everyone.  Jim, enjoyed the home brew “Mama B” style…

Two little cousins…brought together by Turkey Day…delicious.

Another favorite family of mine…who I met years ago.  They happened to make a huge impression on me with their individual personalities…the brothers’ affection for the baby sister…and dad’s super cool wedgie on one of the boys.  Mom and Dad are crazy cool and the children have an energy amongst them that is fun to watch.  Seriously…I LOVE being with these people.  This might have been the best wedgie yet – and then there’s the Flick-my-Bic…hysterical.

This is a repeat family that brings their holiday spirit strong-as-train-smoke every year.  Daddy never, ever disappoints with his ability to play like a little boy and Mama is as pleasant and patient as can be.  She also is a rock star in a Martha-kind-of-way…in that…she puts up…(ready for this?)…a large Christmas tree in EACH room.  What!?  Getting up one tree makes me want to call a divorce attorney sing Christmas carols and emancipate my children have hot cocoa and marshmallows for everyone.  Can’t imagine having enough patience spirit to spread throughout the house.  Here’s your look…and bless you.  (And if you ever leak that little holiday nugget of yours to my household…I will superglue an elf to your rearview mirror.)

What a great little morning I had with this family!  Another Mama that looks like a stinkin’ rock star after birthing her baby…and a sweet Daddy with his head in the domestic game ready for anything.  Except…maybe…a mean football spiral from a 2-year old…a little too close.  Here’s your sneak peek…I had a blast with you guys.  Did you think I was going to sit right down and stay for a while…because I could have…since we’d known each other for about 30 years minutes.  Enjoy!

I haven’t seen these cuties in a few years…and the last time we got together a FROG jumped on G’s head…loved it.  I’m soooo glad you brought your new family member – Splash – a perfect addition to our day in the park.  Thank you for calling me….loved our afternoon.

So every once in a while…I try to support the Charleston locals by offering up a little Giveaway from an area business.  I’ve been a little delinquent this past year so this one is the FIRST in a while….but oh-so-worth the wait.

If you have some clients, office crew, or family that you need to treat over the holidays…or any time – YOU MUST CONSIDER these guys.  Gus and Eleanor Smythe have a local business – TOFFEE SMYTH – and….it is some of the most delicious…mouth-watering crack you’ve ever tried.  Yes, it’s like crack…I’m pretty sure you’ll start to drool just seeing this.

Soooo….for the Giveaway…all you have to do to be in the running – is make a comment with your name on THIS POST (not Facebook or another post because I will never see it!!) by Tuesday the 26th to enter to win a $65.00 gift certificate for lots of this deliciousness.  It’s affordable ranging from $12-$20 and…even better – 10% of this company’s proceeds goes to Camp Happy Days!

If you have a TOFFEE NEED or a TOFFEE QUESTION, you are encouraged to contact Eleanor at toffeesmyth@gmail.com or 843-452-0901.  Make your holiday shopping simple – sold in 1-lb and 1/2-lb portions!

This cute fellow is Mr. Leprechaun’s cousin.  He’s laid back, super delicious and got a cool set of parents and pets.  I enjoyed seeing you again…and my, how you have grown!

Mama, you always make it look easy to get your crew ready and to our session.  I know how it is…and I know it can get hectic beforehand…but your smile always shines through…even with a climb into the attic and a post-camping scrub down.  I love seeing your crew and really LOVE that your parents joined us this time.  Here’s your peek of your fun fam.