Back in 1985 our household consisted of Linda, Jay, and Gus–our Labrador retriever. We were just building our “nest.” 

In 2015 we find ourselves officially empty-nesters with both “kids” living and working on their own. It’s wonderful seeing them move forward in their own ways.

We recreated our 1985 card updated for the times…our Franklin house, Labrador Leila, and four stockings hung by the fire, anxiously awaiting for Patrick & Becky to join us for Christmas.

There are six separate photos plus a snow layer assembled to make the featured image. Again, Photoshop was my friend.  The wreath, tree, dog, room, fire, and windows were all photographed separately. Once adjusted and trimmed they were assembled into this composition. An “oil paint” filter style was applied to provide a consistent texture and feel to the final image.