Going to the German Christkindl Market in Chicago has become a tradition for our family in recent years. I am a city girl through and through, so anytime I get to head downtown a little piece of my soul comes alive. Sharing that joy and excitement with my kids is so important to me, and helps me remember to be intentional about how they experience their childhood.
It was a snowy/rainy Saturday in Chicago, which was perfect for that romantic city feel. The market was packed and we may have waited in line 20 minutes just for 1 cup each of Belgian hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream – #worthit. After we hit up the market we of course had to do a little shopping downtown before a stop at Millenium Park to see the giant Christmas tree, and Grayson’s favorite – the bean.
These little trips are the perfect opportunity for me to do photography just for fun and capture memories for my children that they can look back on year after year. My daughter used to be rather challenging for me to photograph because she just had no interest in having her picture taken whatsoever. But now that she is getting older she is starting to request making pictures and comes up with her own ideas for poses. She is definitely my little muse. My boys, well, they aren’t really that into it and that’s okay. It might take a little more prompting to get them to interact with the camera (or for my toddler to not just run away), but usually they do alright after some warm-up time and positive affirmations.
Documenting these little day trips and moments is so special to me and one of the perks that comes along with being a photographer. I not only love to capture these fleeting times while my kids are little, but it also gives me a chance to experiment with photography and look for new ideas.
As we head into this week of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of just how much I have to be grateful for. My kids, my family, and my career that I am absolutely in love with. You just can’t ask for much more than that.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions that you either grew up with or just recently started with your family?
Great photos!!!
Thanks, Connie!!