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Thursday, November 17

first family pics + holiday cards

oh man you guys, 'tis the season for Christmas cards, and ours just came in the mail! I love them to bits and I'm excited about sharing them here since I can't ask for y'all's addresses:) Firstly though, I can't wait to share a few favorites from our little family hike with my dear Tracy Layne (and a sneak peek of a wedding photo). We only had a little window to get them shot, and she squeezed us into a tiny little open crack in her busy holiday schedule with like two days notice, but even with pouring rain and exhausted kiddies, she made magic as usual. It feels so great to have official pictures all together for the first time really (besides the one on our road trip in our messy travel clothes). Love my little clan:)
Can you believe how long and curly this girl's hair has gotten in the last several months? It really just snuck up on me, and I can't get over how fast she's growing as well. I've never had a baby this big(16 months) without a newborn to take care of too, and so each milestone she reaches is both hard and wonderful at the same time. And I mean look at these little goofballs in these next few shots. 
I can't get over how big all the kids look in these, and I'm so glad we just did sweaters and jeans and that I didn't stress over hair, instead of dealing with runs in pantyhose and lost ties, etc. We still had our fair share of rock throwing and hair pulling, etc, but to finally have pictures of my little clan altogether (where we're not in our messy travel clothes), and at least one smile from all five kids. So so worth it.
And now on to the cards! Once we picked our favorite pictures it was an absolute no-brainer that I would create the cards using Shutterfly. The holidays are traditionally the time when we make an extra effort to connect with people that are the most important to us, and despite how busy life is, Shutterfly has always taken the headache out of making personalized gifts, which to me are the most meaningful. I've used them for every single Christmas card, baby announcement, picture calendar, poster print, and photo book for the last 8 years, but this year I decided to do something a little different. I ordered three different cards.haha
I was looking forward to the traditional family card of course, but then because we've had many friends ask for photos of Richard and I, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to order some newlywed/marriage announcement cards as well. I'm beyond happy with how they turned out, and I love having something to help our favorite people share in our exciting new chapter.

As usual, the colors and quality of the pictures are spot on, once you choose the layout it's really just a few clicks to drag in your photos and add names and other customizations, and delivery is fast and efficient. They also just about always have special offers on their site, which of course is always a bonus:) Feel free to ask any more questions that I didn't cover, but for today:
Ta-da! I still can't believe Tracy pulled out those pictures from that crazy windy day, let alone that I'm actually sending out our cards in the middle of November. Can I get a high-five? haha Now I'm gonna close my computer and go turn on some Frank Sinatra Christmas music while I fold laundry with the babies:) Welcome to the holidays my dears.

Card round-up: 

A big thank you to Shutterfly for sponsoring this post! And thank you to all my readers for supporting the partners that make this
 blog possible. Shop Shutterfly for personalized holiday cards and gifts that are unique, meaningful and just the way you want.

32 comments:

  1. Perfect <3 We did a mini session of engagement photos for Save the Dates, that I planned a long time ago and now we're getting a second puppy (for now, our pups are our kids lol) this weekend. So will have to do another for Christmas cards. AGH (but also - how fun! :))

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  2. The pictures & cards turned out amazing!

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  3. Those turned out beautifully! Thank you for sharing! Hope you and the fam have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    P.S. If it makes you feel any better, we got our Christmas cards done last week too. I'm going to mail them next week. ;)

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  4. Aw, I can see so much of Martin in all of your children. Getting four kids of those ages to smile at the same time AND ALSO look at the camera is definitely an achievement!

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  5. These pictures are SO gorgeous. You have the absolute cutest little fam ever. These cards turned out so cute. Love. ♡
    xx Taylor | www.mycupofchic.com | @taylorwinkelmeyer

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  6. These are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! They turned out great!!!

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  7. Beautiful photos, Emily. As always, thank you for sharing your family w/us. May you all have decades upon decades of blessings and happiness.

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  8. beautiful family and beautiful photos!

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  9. These are gorgeous! I love how you kept them in normal clothes, too. I use Shutterfly all the time as well! Love them!

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  10. These pictures are just gorgeous! Love the smiles on ALL of your faces, you so deserve it;)

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  11. Beautiful photos and post, Emily. So fun to see your sweet little family all together. :)

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  12. Your pictures are perfect! It seems like each of your kiddos looks so much older. How do they grow so quickly? I always wonder that with my littles! I hope you truly have a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

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  13. The pictures turned out perfect ♥ All of the kids look like they have grown! I need to get on the ball of getting our family photos done!

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  14. What a beautiful family! And I can't wait to see more wedding photos. The sneak peek really made me happy. This is getting me very pumped for this Holiday Season. Much love to y'all!

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  15. Your pictures are gorgeous (because your family is). And I love Richard's man-bun. I'm happy for your happiness.

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  16. Love your pictures Emily! God's richest blessing on you and your adorable family.

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  17. These are so pretty! Absolutely love your family :)

    www.wildfirecharm.com

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  18. These pictures are so pretty! Your family is adorable x

    www.wildfirecharm.com

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  19. These came out incredible well and I am so happy for your little family!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  20. These pictures are adorable ad always. I just wanted to say that you and your family are such an inspiration to me. I have always enjoyed reading your posts and your writing style is so personal. Much love xx Yasmine

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  21. I love this!! I'm so happy for you! I have a special place for your new hubby, my hubby took me on with 5 kids as well. It takes a special man. God has sent us both angels❤️

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  22. So happy for you & your family. Moving on isn't bad, & you deserve all the joy & love in the world. Congrats on your marriage, & having a man that was willing to accept you and your beautiful 5 children. He's perfect! Love from SoCal, Tiana ❤

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  23. Such a beautiful family my Sweetest Emily 🌻

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  25. Beautiful pictures! I'd love to hear more about the wedding and falling in love again (need the inspiration too). Sending only good wishes.

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  26. wow, it looks like your kids got your red hair vs. your husbands, what lovely Christmas Cards, I got here from the link to your sponsored post, what a lovely family did you have a vow renewal it looks nice. I am glad I was able to see how other families set up their holiday cards...

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  27. You have a beautiful family!
    I love Shutterfly too! So much.

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  28. So cute!!! Love the pictures of the fam, and not stressing over matching fancy outfits is definitely the way to go!

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  29. Wow, I am in awe of your Christmas cards! They're beautiful xx

    Jordyn | lovelylittleroses.wordpress.com

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  30. These are gorgeous! Shutterfly is my go-to for anything photo/printed too :)

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