Erie, Pennsylvania Baby Photographer Lisa Russo | Erie Newborn Photographer | Erie Children's Photographer | Erie Family Photographer

Aaah, we’re home from our trip and ready to head into 2009!

If you didn’t already know, we headed out to the frozen tundra Upstate New York on Christmas Day. Usually, traveling on Christmas means very few other folks in the airport – however, due to all of the dastardly storms in the days before…well, it was busy. But we made it. And froze.

For the first time ever, I didn’t bring my camera or laptop with me <gasp!>. I decided it would be nice for my kids to see my actual face, rather than the side of it, for a few days. But with presents, cookies, full attention (and spoiling!) from Nana…and snow, I’m not really sure they even noticed.

I did bring my little point and shoot. And this is what we had to deal with:

I should mention that I took this shot from inside my parents’ front door, in my pyjamas, holding the camera out in front of me – so only my arm was exposed to the weather. Having grown up in New York, you’d think I’d be used to the cold, but it’s AMAZING how 9 years in the south can just wipe that slate clean. Ava, however, would have stayed outside all day.

Some randoms from over the break:

• It was 6 degrees on the morning we left. 6. Degrees.

• I love Robert Crais. I started his Elvis Cole series from the beginning back in November, and I finished his most recent one over the Christmas break. And now I’m going through some serious withdrawal.

• I’m not as knowledgeable about the 80s as I thought. When I found out we’d be playing Trivial Pursuit, the 80s on New Year’s Eve, I got very cocky about my potential for winning. Turns out you need to know more than Duran Duran lyrics to win this game.

• I AM, however, pretty good at poker. I only really play once a year (again, on New Year’s Eve), but I won our little tournament. Cool.

• Ava + Sleeping Beauty Vanity = match made in Heaven.

• Aidan + iPod Nano = match made in Heaven.

• I only gained 1 pound. Which really shocks me as I found that my mom’s chocolate & creme de menthe layer cookies just kept jumping into my mouth.

• Talking during your massage is a bad thing. I took my mom for massages as part of her Christmas present, and chatted all the way through mine (friends and clients who read this are going to laugh – I know, it’s a SHOCK that I talked through it, right??). When it was over, I didn’t even realize it had begun. Dangit!

• We are now a one-dog family. After returning from our trip (the doggies were at a boarding kennel) it became even more apparent that our sweet Annie was not the right doggy for us – we were all just too busy to give her the attention (and playtime) she needed. A lovely family nearby came and adopted her from us yesterday and already reported that she’s fitting in perfectly and they love her. I miss her, but I’m happy that she’s in a home better suited for her. Lulu is…well, snoring next to me.

• On the business side of things, I’ve decided to focus solely on newborns, babies and children (and their families!). I think teens and seniors are fabulous, but my passion is the little ones and their connections with family. So a re-focus if you will.

• I’m working on my 2008 year-in-review show – I’ll post the link here when it’s live!

I think that’s it for now, I’ve already had my first session of the year – a sweet little newborn – so be on the lookout for a sneak peek soon!