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HOPE. I think everyone needs hope this year. This is another one of my favorite Christmas ornaments. It reminds the kids and me of our friend Jamie Spore. One of her favorite sayings is “Hope Anchors the Soul.” It seems fitting to include a little HOPE in our project.

As I was grabbing the open flag from outside after work today, I noticed Grandma Reed’s Christmas dolls my dad had arranged recently in our gallery front windows. My grandpa and grandma had over a hundred of these dolls at one point on display in their home.

My entire life I have loved the Grinch. After celebrating Kasey’s and David’s birthdays at Rachel’s house tonight, I spotted an entire yard full of Christmas decorations in downtown Scottville. Upon further inspection, I found this giant blow-up Grinch.

I kept an eye out for a Christmas scene on my drive to Manistee, Michigan tonight. I passed by this nativity scene, and thought with the right exposure and angle, I could hide the house from the background, and it could make a very emotional image. I stopped on my way back home and worked the scene until I achieved that goal.

Ron and Donna Sanders are Betsy and Sean’s next-door neighbors on Riverview Drive in Ludington. After having dinner with Betsy, Sean, and the kids, I was getting ready to drive home when I noticed this family of snowmen in Ron and Donna’s front yard. With my tripod, I was able to capture this festive image.

My son, Ethan, and his stepbrother Aiden both used Christmas money and bought themselves each Traxxas RC cars. I think I have had more fun playing with Ethan’s car than he has. This thing really rips! I had Ethan do several donuts with his in the snow today so I could get my photo of the day.

I picked the kids up from their dad, and we headed to visit with Brad’s family for a bit at his house. This church is always so beautifully decorated at Christmas. The air was cold, and my fingers were frozen by the time I was happy with my composition.

Merry Christmas! I woke up early today to go out and plow snow for the first time this winter. Then I drove down the street to Keith and Courtney Hanson’s house to photograph a lit cross on top of their home on Washington Avenue. Keith and I caught up for a bit and then I headed home to get ready for Christmas morning.

Growing up, I didn’t realize how unique it was to have two Christmas trees in our house, especially one that was 15 feet tall. There is nothing better than stepping into the warm farmhouse, walking in the hallway, and seeing this sight. Christmas was different this year due to COVID-19, but I am glad we were able to spend it with Mom and Dad at the farm. Merry Christmas to all!

Today Rachel and I took all five kids out to the cabin for some family fun. We hooked a sled up to our side-by-side and we all took turns doing some hot laps out in the fields. Joshua is a speed demon and a thrill seeker. I know for sure by Ethan’s grin, he was loving finally being able to drive the side-by-side without an adult next to him. I think Ethan and Joshua together could be trouble for years to come!

My dad helped the kids make these yule logs for their parents. It was very sweet to see their excitement as they handed me this gift.