<insert huge sigh here>

I had the best break ever.  Obviously.  Our last post was December 20th.  But I gotta say, I’m proud of myself.  I told myself I was taking some time off over the holidays and that’s exactly what I did.  No e-mails, no blog, no shoots, no editing.  It was glorious.  But I imagine you all are a bit curious as to what I was up to and what the heck is next for 2011.  So here it is…a quick recap of the last twenty (*gasp* I can’t believe it’s been that long!!) days.

The week leading up to Christmas was hectic.  I worked pretty much up until Christmas day, wrapping up albums, shooting a bit, processing all our final 2010 shoots and weddings, Christmas shopping, Christmas card writing and stuffing, and applying for a photography job that will take me around the globe during the 2012 off-season (more on this to come if I actually get the position!).  Needless to say, that week was a bit nutty.

Here’s our Christmas card, complete with a photo by Miss Jesie:

December 24th was actually when the Tate Household celebrated Christmas.  100% turnout rate this year!   There was football and Monopoly domination, rapid present unwrapping, and of course, lots of Italian food consumption. :-) Because our family is so big we decided to draw names this year.

My sweet, almost sister-in-law, Alyssa, and my father gave me these brand new, really old cameras, complete with original receipt:

Christmas Eve, my favorite, was so beautiful.  John and I attended the late service at Woodmen Valley Chapel and were joined by his sweet parents.  I love the intimacy that Christmas Eve brings to a sanctuary.  It was a beautiful night.  From there John and I carried on my favorite Christmas tradition where we delivered some yummy Godiva chocolate to someone who has to work on Christmas Eve.  This year we stopped at a 7 Eleven and surprised a young high school guy. :-)

The 24th ended with my and John’s gift exchange, where I kind of thought I was getting engaged. haha Not really…. but a tiny bit inside me thought so.  But not really.  But a little.  ;-)  My sweet John came around the corner with the biggest Tiffany & Co. box that I have ever seen!  Turns out he got me some GORGEOUS stemless wineglasses! (Among other things, of course, and no not an engagement ring.)

The bottle of cab from Nellis Air Force Base was given to me over a year ago by John.  We opened it somewhat symbolically on Christmas Eve, which brings me the next big part of my break.  The days following Christmas, up until last week, were spent helping John prepare for a bit of training he’ll be completing at Nellis in Nevada over the next several months.  We packed his home, cleaned, saw old friends, and eventually drove to Las Vegas to get him settled.

We had an amazing road trip and celebrated the new year in style!  Well sort of.  If you call a Comfort Inn in the middle of nowhere Colorado with cheap champagne “style,” then yes, we celebrated in style! ;-)  2010 was pretty incredible for us so we thought it was appropriate to toast to a 2011 just as good if not better.

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere Utah (it was really bright out there):

So here I am… My first full week back in the office.  I don’t know what it is about a new year that makes you so empowered to change; I’m not sure why we don’t get this way during the year, but whatever, I’m gonna roll with it.  2011 is the year of change and growth for not only myself, but for René Tate Photography — I can just feel it!  I have a lot of intimate details I want to share with you about the business: what’s worked well for us, what was a total fail in 2010, and what 2011 is to bring.

Coming very soon to a blog near you.

With joy,
René