There’s a giveaway too — Keep reading for details.
It’s that time again. Time to think of a ridiculous premise for our holiday cards! You know how I do a monthly shoot for the kids in the same chair to document their growth? I thought it would be fun to do the same portrait for all of us this year, then compile the photos into a card.
Eleanor is a toddler. If you’ve experienced toddlerhood, you’ll know that’s all that needs to be said.
I put her down for a nap in hopes of a better shot later. I used the time to run out for flowers (Brandon’s idea, and a good one at that). We took the rest of our photos while E slept, but here are a few from the second attempt later in the day. We tried to bribe her with a lollipop. She let it fall out of her mouth and onto her skirt, and was then appalled.
August was happy! A happy but wiggly, rocking, and slightly out of focus baby. It was so dark in the living room, I had to bump the ISO waaaaay up, open the aperture all the way, and hope for the best.
I was the consummate professional, needing only one shot. Or perhaps I’m just saying that so I’ll only have to show you one shot. You’ll never know.
Brandon looks like a standup fellow. So dapper. So mature.
Oh, wait! We have a B-side. A Brandon B-side.
Aw yeah. Brandon’s footie pajamas made a triumphant return. Along with my necklace. And with that, here is this year’s Balch family holiday card.
We’re lookin’ good.
Giveaway
You are no doubt inspired to make your own holiday cards now, right? OK, you may not want to take the route we did. You can still go for the classic family photo, and for that you’ll need a nice camera. And something (or some things) to put that photo on. Well, Shutterfly is offering 50 cards, a 12×12 photo book, an 8×8 photo book, mug, 3 calendars, reusable shopping tote, and an ornament, along with a PowerShot S100 Camera.
Visit Shutterfly to select your favorite photo card template, and leave a comment here about which one you like best to enter. A winner will be randomly selected.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends 12/6/11. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, visit Girl’s Gone Child, The Spohrs are Multiplying, or Make and Takes. Void where prohibited.
Congratulations to the winner, Diana L!
Ella
November 15, 2011 at 2:10 amI like the “Bright Holly Jolly Holiday Card.” Perfect colors!
Karate
November 15, 2011 at 2:24 amThere are so many, but I’ll have to say that I like `Little Snowflake` as well as `Merry and Happy`
Leone
November 15, 2011 at 2:55 amOMG I <3 B-side Brandon so very very much! LMAO! Hahaaaa
Leone
November 15, 2011 at 2:58 amI love the “What Fun” 5×7 card.
Thanks!
Queta
November 15, 2011 at 2:59 amBrandon’s B-side is awesome!
The Shutterfly card I like is Cheers To You – simple design and pretty colors.
Jessica
November 15, 2011 at 3:18 amSo many cute ones but I really like the HAnd Drawn Joy one.
tm
November 15, 2011 at 4:54 amI’m with Jessica, the hand drawn joy is my pick!
Amanda
November 15, 2011 at 5:32 amI love the “Holiday Love Sketch” card! But they’re all kind of of amazing!
Gina
November 15, 2011 at 5:50 amSo many good ones. Yesterday I got an ad in the mail from Shutterfly for all their holiday cards and gift items. I was immediately drawn to “Mery Bright ZigZag”.
Vicki I.
November 15, 2011 at 5:58 amMy favorite card is the Top Moments Christmas Card. I think this is a fabulous alternative to a letter. Thanks for the chance to win!
jenn a.f.
November 15, 2011 at 6:16 amI like the frosty folding card! Very cute
Erin
November 15, 2011 at 6:33 amLove your card!
Merry bright zigzag is my favorite shutterfly template.
Emily
November 15, 2011 at 6:45 amI like the pop ornaments and oh so holly templates!
Great job on your card–we threw in the towel and paid someone to photograph our boys this year. It took one photographer, one parent holding the younger son, and one parent dancing around behind the photographer, to get a decent shot.
Sheila J
November 15, 2011 at 6:56 amI love Shutterfly! I have been using it for years. I like the folded cards with the red snowflake border.
Kristina
November 15, 2011 at 7:00 amI am usually a sucker for polka dots, but I love the retro stripe frame card. And that picture of your daughter is an instant classic.
Holly
November 15, 2011 at 7:08 amI love YOUR card, but I also love the Starlight Snowflakes card template!
Emma
November 15, 2011 at 7:14 amI like ‘coastal wishes’ the best, although I like almost all the templates – that’s Shutterfly for you!
Jennifer
November 15, 2011 at 7:14 amYour card is fabulous!!! I love the Snowflake Dream Card best!
Carly
November 15, 2011 at 7:18 amI love the folded cards. The simple sparkle joy is my favorite.
beth
November 15, 2011 at 7:19 ami’m really liking the merry bright zig zag cards.
Shawn Stover
November 15, 2011 at 7:21 amMy favorite is the “Hearts And Home” photo card template because it is very classy. This would be awesome to win!!! Thank you for the opportunity :)
Alli
November 15, 2011 at 7:24 amI love the Merry and Bright Zigzag. Loving the chevron pattern this year :)
Anita
November 15, 2011 at 7:25 amMy favorite is definitely “What Fun” – it’s adorable and totally secular and would work really well as a holiday card for my family!
Jennifer M
November 15, 2011 at 7:25 amI love the card called Seasonal Chic.
Monica
November 15, 2011 at 7:31 amI would probably choose the “Up In Lights” photo card. It is a cute card for a pic of my daughter. I also love the “Hibiscus Flowers” with it’s tropical sentiments since we live in FL.
Michelle J.
November 15, 2011 at 7:34 amthe such good cheer holiday card is my favorite!
Amy D.
November 15, 2011 at 7:35 amI just love “We Believe”!
Terra
November 15, 2011 at 7:37 amSo many good choices! I like the ones where the graphic design is subtle and lets the photos stand out, like the “Happy Wishes”. I always order a calendar, but it would be fun to have an excuse to get a holiday card, too!
Emily
November 15, 2011 at 7:40 amI like the Berry Merry Frame ones!
Katie*Belle
November 15, 2011 at 7:55 amI love your family photo! And the Shutterfly template I like best is “Joy Love Family.” It would be perfect for my fam this year.
Adrienne B
November 15, 2011 at 7:57 amI love the Colorful Warm Wishes. Simple, cute, not traditional red and green.
Giulia
November 15, 2011 at 7:59 amLOL, this made me laugh. Great shots – great capture of moments.
Jessica
November 15, 2011 at 8:01 amI like the Modern Season’s Greetings. Simple, and I think it’d be nice to go with a B&W photo this year too.
Bethie
November 15, 2011 at 8:02 am“Bright Colored Lights” is my fave.
I’m just starting to think about holiday cards and these would be perfect!
Courtney F
November 15, 2011 at 8:02 amI like “Goodwill to All.” Love the pretty typography on it!
Melissa
November 15, 2011 at 8:03 amHow fun and cute I love it.
Heather S
November 15, 2011 at 8:04 amI adore the Wishing You Merry Christmas Card!
Lakshmi
November 15, 2011 at 8:07 amI like “Sparkle Joy”!
Katie
November 15, 2011 at 8:09 amStarlight Snowflakes would work well with our recently taken photo. Lots of laughs and little cooperation.
But yours is a whole lot of awesome.
Bebe
November 15, 2011 at 8:11 amI think the Modern Pine Cone is quite clever and unique! As are your family Christmas cards!!
Marina
November 15, 2011 at 8:13 amI love the Pretty Patterned Ornaments Holiday Card! Would love to order those this year.
Leigh
November 15, 2011 at 8:14 amI love the Alleluia ones. So much that I ordered some.
Kyley at Painting Pony
November 15, 2011 at 8:14 amI like the “missing cookie” card, because it’s tradition to have our little dachshund on the front of our holiday cards every year.
Jenna
November 15, 2011 at 8:15 amI like the Mod Snowflake Frame.
meekasmommy
November 15, 2011 at 8:18 amLOVE your card! I’ve got about 5 different cards saved to decide between at the moment, but my top runner (for now) might just be “twinkling snowflakes”
Megan C.
November 15, 2011 at 8:18 amClassic Plaid Wishes!! Who knew a plaid card could make me so happy?
lauren
November 15, 2011 at 8:22 amHMM I like the Initial Wreath but it’s hard to pick!
Carol
November 15, 2011 at 8:23 amHard to choose, but I like the joy + Love card.
Sara
November 15, 2011 at 8:24 amHolly Jolly is my favorite! This will be my first Christmas being married so we are excited to send on Christmas cards this year!
Ellen
November 15, 2011 at 8:24 amI like the shutterfly “Modern Banner Holiday Card”, but yours is awesome!
Madeline
November 15, 2011 at 8:24 amI love the “So Mod Snowflake” template!
jenni o
November 15, 2011 at 8:26 amI like the “We Believe” design
Laura V.
November 15, 2011 at 8:27 amI like the Joyful Ornaments.
Christie
November 15, 2011 at 8:30 amI spy a card with a green chevron pattern, and I love it.
ADRIENNE
November 15, 2011 at 8:30 amI love the “hand written wishes” its perfect for my family!!
Danette
November 15, 2011 at 8:32 amI really like scrappy Happy.
Claudia
November 15, 2011 at 8:34 amI love the Joy + Love card. It’s classic and neat, which is just my style ;)
Cortney
November 15, 2011 at 8:38 amI was just looking at these yesterday and thinking I better get my act in gear! I love the Holly Dotty and the Charming Holly Wreath!
Jill
November 15, 2011 at 8:41 amThanks for sharing the family card ordeal. :) For us, Merry Berry or Wonder Trees!
Maggie
November 15, 2011 at 8:43 amI like both the Polka Dot Wishes and Modern Squares cards.
Evelyn
November 15, 2011 at 8:44 amI really like the Bright Colored Lights!
Elizabeth
November 15, 2011 at 8:46 amI like the wrapped ribbon or joy and magic! But they have so many good ones!
cate s. h.
November 15, 2011 at 8:47 amHo Ho Cheer is super cute!
Carly
November 15, 2011 at 8:49 amI love the Very Warm Noel template – though it’s hard to choose just one, there are lots of great options!
abeautifulparty
November 15, 2011 at 8:52 amhow spectacular!
Timmi
November 15, 2011 at 8:52 amI like the tree whimsy design but there were quite a few more that I liked
Heather
November 15, 2011 at 8:52 amWe just took our family photo for our holiday card this past weekend!
I like the “Shiny Sparkly Ornaments” and the “Elegant Flourishes” Christmas card best, I think.
Susan
November 15, 2011 at 8:53 amI love Ho Ho Cheer!
Jessia
November 15, 2011 at 8:56 amOh what fun! Holiday card is my fave.
Zakary
November 15, 2011 at 8:57 amYour card is awesome, I love it!
I really like the Candy Cots template. I’ve never used Shutterfly for cards, I need to try it.
Diana
November 15, 2011 at 8:57 amI have been eyeing the “Very Warm Noel” card for a few weeks now. Thanks!
Robin
November 15, 2011 at 8:57 amI really like the “Oh! what fun!” card.
Clare
November 15, 2011 at 9:01 amI can’t choose between the Vintage Ribbon and Mod Circles – so different, I know!
Patricia
November 15, 2011 at 9:01 amshutterfly has been my go to picture center for many years. i love the chevron pattern and the real monogram . thanks. lovely family you have!
Monique
November 15, 2011 at 9:04 amThat is Great!
Miegan
November 15, 2011 at 9:06 amI love the sparkle joy card! I’m working on shutter fly photo books of my seven week old daughter and would love to win this giveaway!
Sara
November 15, 2011 at 9:12 amLoving the simply jolly! Thanks :)
Ashley T.
November 15, 2011 at 9:13 amI love the vintage scroll Christmas card!
Brian
November 15, 2011 at 9:13 amUp in lights. Thanks!
Jacky
November 15, 2011 at 9:15 amThe Merry Montage!
Meg B
November 15, 2011 at 9:20 amI think sparkle joy is very pretty!
Brooke
November 15, 2011 at 9:21 amI’m impressed that you’ve already tackled your holiday card! And I particularly like the typography on the Oh So Wonderful Christmas Card. Thanks, Nicole!
Bill
November 15, 2011 at 9:21 amI like the Family Wall card.
Cassie
November 15, 2011 at 9:23 amI love the We Believe!
Clearly Composed
November 15, 2011 at 9:31 amYour card came out great! I really dig the traditional plaid template myself. It would look amazing with pictures of my dogs on it. :)
Katie
November 15, 2011 at 9:31 amWoah, what a giveaway! I like the “Sparkle Joy” flat card. So lovely!
ashley
November 15, 2011 at 9:31 amI love “what fun”!
Courtney
November 15, 2011 at 9:32 amI love the “Sparkling Snowflakes” template! :)
Kaitlin
November 15, 2011 at 9:33 amI love the “modern pinecone” template- so classy! E’s photo makes me laugh, at least she’s being a normal 2 year old.
Angie G.
November 15, 2011 at 9:35 amI love the “Colorful Warm Wishes” holiday card. Thanks for the chance to win!
alison
November 15, 2011 at 9:38 ammerry bright zigzag for that one awesome christmas shot of the babe. would be lovely
Celeste
November 15, 2011 at 9:39 amThere are so many great designs but right now my favorite is the Classic Scrolls. Thanks for the giveaway!
Elizabeth
November 15, 2011 at 9:40 amI love the Peace Love Family card. Thanks!
sangeetha
November 15, 2011 at 9:40 amI like Scrappy Happy!!!
Breanna
November 15, 2011 at 9:40 amI like the modern squares on!!!!! Hope I win!! Fingers crossed.
Rachelle
November 15, 2011 at 9:41 amI like the simplicity of the “oh so wonderful” card.
Tiffannie
November 15, 2011 at 9:42 amWow, so many cute designs. I like the Sparkle Joy the best.
Bonnie
November 15, 2011 at 9:49 amI like the Celebrate the Bang New Years card.
Jane
November 15, 2011 at 9:50 amI love the idea of a montage or collage (like Pictures Everywhere or Merry Montage) — we can never pick just one photo we love, plus it’s great to feature photos from our various adventures throughout the year. We usually send out cards to a whole slew of friends and family with whom we don’t necessarily get a chance to get together all that much, so the card is really great at letting them know what we’ve been up to.
Andrea Eisenberg
November 15, 2011 at 9:51 amMerry Bright ZigZag