Alright, it's time to get caught up on what's been happening here at Banks Photography. For New Year's Eve Dave and I went with a bunch of friends to the New Year's Eve party at the beautiful Corazon Club and Spa in Dublin. We started out with dinner in the wine cellar and then moved upstairs for casino night and dancing. At the casino table we won tickets to put into raffle drawings at the end of the evening. Dave and I wont 3 one hour massages and 2 one week passes to the Memorial Tournament. Not too bad for one evening. It was a great evening spending time with Kelly and DJ, Andrea and Joe (former wedding clients, Andrea is on our home page!), and lots of other great people. Here are some pictures from the big event. Please notice that I am in a dress. I did not own a dress so I got to go out and buy something for the party.

One warning for this post: Lots of pictures!

Christmas was a really fun time for us this year. We spent lots of time with family and friends. On Christmas Eve my mom, dad and grandma arrived into town. Before heading out to the Christmas Eve service we let the kids open their Christmas Eve pajamas and their outfits for Christmas day. Brooklyn was so excited that she just wanted to open everything! We then headed to Liberty Presbyterian church for the 8:00pm Christmas Eve service. Dave's brother is the music minister there and the music was, of course, amazing! After the service we headed over to Nina's house for food drinks and presents.

Isaac helping papa open his gift.

Above: Brooklyn and Isaac checking out there new headphones.

Below: Grandma giving Isaac his very first haircut.

On Christmas morning we all woke up, opened stockings and then prepared our traditional Christmas Eve brunch. This year I served apple cinnamon baked french toast, sausage and rice casserole, cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit. After breakfast it was time to unveil the big gifts. Isaac got a train table (we actually gave it to both of them because Brooklyn loves playing with trains too). Their expressions were priceless. Brooklyn got a digital camera (gotta start her young!) and the Leapster LMax. She went crazy with taking pictures all day. I got a new iphone and Dave got some Dallas Cowboy apparel.

Above: This is the view when we gave Brooklyn and Isaac the train table. Please notice all the excitement and then my dad sleeping in the corner!

After presents at the house, we headed to Dave's parent's house for more gifts and of course food. It was great this year because Dave's brother, Mike, was here for the holidays. He is a missionary in Bolivia and we don't get to see him every year. Totally exhausted from all the activities, we headed home.

Brooklyn and Isaac jamming on the new keyboard!

Uncle Mike and Isaac opening gifts.

On Wednesday my brother and sisters came into town. From this point on, we had 13 people sleeping at our house. Needless to say, we had a full house. My family is all game players so we played lots of cards and of course the Nintendo Wii. Our favorite Wii games are playground games (dodgeball) and carnival games.

After lots of food, games, and good times, everyone headed home. It was nice having a quiet house again but nothing replaces to great times at Christmas!

At our past few weddings we have had the opportunity to work with a really great DJ, Rob. Rob of Encore Entertainment does a fabulous job. He is super down to earth but extremely professional. We have such a great time with him at the weddings. I would love for you to take few minutes to check out his site at www.encorediscjockey.com. Thanks Rob for making those receptions so much fun!!!

This past weekend we had the awesome opportunity to display our photobooth at the Columbus Bride bridal show. We were a little anxious about how it would go. It is always a risk starting a new business but we really had a good feeling about this one. On Saturday we did have a couple of issues arises, we ran out of ink and assembled brochures. I guess that isn't such a bad problem to have. We underestimated how popular the booth would be! The booth was packed all weekend. We are so excited for the future of Ready, Set, Vogue. From personally viewing the booth in action, I would have to say that this is something you shouldn't pass up if you are getting married or having a special event. We have updated the website so please check it out at www.readysetvogue.com!!!