2010 - A Photo Tour

I definitely didn't take as many photographs this year as I have in the last few...having a second child made me forget I even owned a camera some weeks. Regardless, I had a lot of fun putting this together...pulling files from the old Mac onto the new, sourcing music (more on that in a second) and generally reliving some great moments and memories from 2010 for our little what-started-out-as-a-family-of-three-and-is-now-a-family-of-four.

About the music, and a somewhat major tangent. A few months ago, I discovered the blog Pacing the Panic Room, by the talented photographer and writer, Ryan Marshall. Right around the time that I started reading, he published this post announcing the release of Do Fun Stuff, an album of kids music that he organized to raise money for research into Smith Magenis Syndrome, a developmental disorder. Prior to reading Pacing the Panic Room, I knew nothing about SMS. Being a bit of an internet addict I spent the better part of one evening reading the heartwarming and at times, heart-wrenching stories Ryan and other parents and caregivers have shared about parenting children with SMS; I won't even try to honor (or dishonor) their personal experiences here because they do a far better job of expressing their thoughts than I would do paraphrasing them, however I will say that I am always inspired by people who manage to mobilize themselves to action in the way Ryan has to benefit something they care deeply about. I find it even more inspiring when a parent is able to do this for something that effects their own child. It's an amazing strength.

If you are interested in learning more about SMS or Ryan and his photography and writing work, I strongly encourage you to take some time to read his blog. Also, take a listen to some of the songs from Do Fun Stuff, which can be found here on iTunes (it's great - original children's music that doesn't make your toes curl and your head hurt!). If you're so inclined, buy the album. 100% of the money raised from its sale will go towards funding SMS research. There aren't many large charities that can claim that nowadays. It's nice to know that every cent of your donation is being put to good use.

Tangent completed, Do Fun Stuff is how I discovered a new to me band, Rabbit, and two of the three songs that I used in 2010's Year in Photos. The first, "Now That I've Found You," and the second, "Magic," are both from their album Connect the Dots, also available on iTunes. The third is "Cupcakes" by Christophe Beck, and I just love it.

This year has brought tremendous change to us. We welcomed our daughter into the world, saw our son turn four, I left my 12-year career with my company to be a stay at home mom for a while and to pursue other, more creative, wage-earning options that will afford more work-life balance (note to self: invest some time in 2011 to finding a snappier way to describe that). There have been adjustments, periods of uncertainty, days when I questioned what in the hell I was doing. On the balance though, 2010 has been one of my favorite years. I feel like I say that at the end of every year. This time I really mean it. I'm nothing but excited about what 2011 will bring.

For those of you who read here, thank you for stopping by and checking in. If you're into it, leave me a comment and let me know you're out there. Happy New Year to you and yours.

On to the photos.


2010 Photos from Carrie Hill on Vimeo.

Decking the Halls, Trimming The Tree, Filling the Stockings, Fah-La-La-La-La-La...etc.

Christmas in Crazytown = Much Fun

Holidays can be stressful. They can be panic attack provoking. They can be downright depressing. I've had holidays that were all three. This one was, however, was nothing but fun.

Having a second child has made me measurably dumber in many ways, and yet so much wiser in others. I used to spend all day on Christmas cooking a fancy dinner for my wonderful family...and it was lovely. And then I would wake up on the 26th wishing that I had another Christmas day to enjoy watching my son discover his new toys...to enjoy spending time with my Mom, Dad, Stepmom, and In Laws...to relax...

Around Halloween I was dreading thinking through the details of the holiday weekend when a BRILLIANT IDEA struck me. Why not switch days/meals? We still did the fancy dinner this year, but moved it to Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, as a result, felt like THE BIGGEST GIFT. We ate (oh, did we eat), but everything was do-ahead, throw in the oven, spend less than one hour in the kitchen all day, type food. It was magical. It was obvious and should have been done three years ago genius. I take full credit.

And now...some media.

Hill Christmas 2010 from Carrie Hill on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas from Crazytown

Proof that there are no decent photos taken with young children on Christmas morning. More to come!

Of Mice and Pirates

So Disney...one week, one family of four, a few meltdowns, definitely a few tears, but oh so much fun. It is certainly not a relaxing vacation, in fact, it's kind of like work for the parents. But will we do it again? Definitely yes!

I took about 1,500 photographs and shot a lot of video. I've had time to get through about 1/3rd of all of it. I think each of us (well, probably not Charlotte) have our own favorite moments from the trip that will stay with us. The video below showcases one of the highlights for us. On our last full day there, we took Alex to the Pirate's League, for a transformation. It was pretty awesome. He spent the rest of the day dressed as a pirate, and for much of it remained in character. There were plenty of "Arrrrs," and "Walk the planks," directed at total strangers. Much fun.

The Pirate's League from Carrie Hill on Vimeo.