A family portrait in video form...

Family Portrait of the James Grandchildren from Ellen James on Vimeo.

As I explained in my last post, I was inspired by Jared Foster and his cute family video. And, as I also explained, my family would NEVER go along with that idea. OK, to be fair, Rick & Andrew would not go along with the idea, the rest would ham it up. While looking at a few of Jared's videos, I saw a family portrait that he did. I loved it and realized that I could do that. Since my Christmas present to Rick's family didn't work out too well this year, I thought I would create a video for them instead. They had a terrific children's Christmas party yesterday (a fun tradition) and I captured all the grandkids on video. We had a Christmas celebration at their house tonight, since we will be gone for Christmas, and gave them the video.

Oh, and I know they look really somber at the beginning, that's what they are supposed to do... be expressionless. The kids took it to a next level, they look almost mad. They do get happier at the end (well, at least most of them do).

If I were only this creative...

You have to check out this video clip my friend sent me. It's from a family's adorable blog... it's their on-line Christmas greeting this year. I showed my sister Karen the video yesterday. I said that I wish I was as creative as this girl. Karen brought up a good point... would our husbands do that? No, the answer is no. SO, I am blaming it all on Rick. I could do something like this, but he would not cooperate, so it wouldn't work. Yep, that's the story I'm sticking with.

The Timpanogos Temple at sunset...

We got another shot at a beautiful sunset tonight. I have been waiting for that perfect sunset to take pictures of the temple. Tonight's sky wasn't as spectacular as last night, but I was prepared this time and I thought the pictures turned out pretty nice. Andrew came and was my assistant. I am enjoying teaching him some things about photography. I came home and played with these a little bit in Photoshop.

The beautiful sunset...

The sunset tonight was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It lit up the entire sky, not just the west, but the south and north as well. It was amazing. Unfortunately, I was carpooling the kids in Orem at the time and wouldn't get home until dark. I was so disappointed that I wasn't at home to take pictures. I have been waiting for the perfect sunset to experiment with my new camera. Just as it was starting to fade, I realized that Andrew was at home. I called him and had him take my camera outside and snap some pictures. He really is a great photographer (remember the pictures of the cactus and flowers in Moab?). For him to be able to get this shot without knowing the complicated settings, or to have a tripod...he did a great job! I'm hoping there will be a good one tomorrow. I will be prepared, just in case. (Click on the photo to enlarge...)