All I Want For Christmas is...

Wake up Sunday morning and wash my hair, which apparently these days takes several hours. Perhaps it's just that I love the water, perhaps it's that the children and husband persuasion leave me to my moment in the shower-that exquisite time alone. Ah, bliss. Onto my story...
And so I wash my nappy roots and proceed to wake up everyone slowly but surely to ready themselves for my Christmas present...a family portrait. I'd purchased the outfits for the family the day prior, minus my husband's, and now just had to dress everyone up with my love (sorry, Madonna popped into my head).
Hair did, I grabbed fabulous Mimi to help get Aidan going...the red clip on tie, the black pinstripe vest and pants...she got him suited up nicely and my boy looked so old. Onto Mackenzie next, black velvet bolero jacket and maroon and black velvet (to tha floor) dress with a complimentary black silk flower on the hip. She was topped off with hair down and a wonderfully thick black headband ("...mama, head-ban..." she says over and over). 2 kids done, I skipped around the house happily, in my new purple dress (a girl needs color, right?) and velvet heels (yes, I said it out loud), all in the thought that I would be getting today all that I wanted for Christmas. James suited himself up in diggs similar to that of Johnny Cash, black button down, black pants, with the only splash of color being his tie-a little green and maroon for the hollyday. We grabbed the kiddos' hands and hauled our cookies off to the car to make our way to Mr. Walmart.
Walking into Walmart, in our Sunday best, people smiled. The kids looked amazing and Mr. Cash and I did, as well. We were on time for our 10am appointment, but our photo gal was not. The family unit progressed to the photo area and all heck broke loose. Aidan decided he'd ham it up by opening and closing his mouth all while the photo gal tried to snap for posterity. Kenzie tried to smile while upon my lap, Mr. Cash uttering, "...Aidan, close your mouth and make the magic happen for your mother-this is ALL SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS!?" Wow. Believe it or not, but 25 frames later, we had it. I ordered a 16X20 that is to go above our mantel, holiday background and all, replacing the family photo taken long ago a la Mr. JcPennys with Aidan, J. and myself (Aidan was just 6 months young at the time). I also ordered a lovely photo of Kenzie et Aidan, both of them smiling!!!!!!!!!!!!! The deed was done and after all of that preparation, it was worth it. If I figure out how to scan any pics into this computer thing, perhaps you'll get to see one or 3...