Last week, Dan told me that even though he ordered my Christmas gift way back on the 10th, it still hadn’t shipped, so it probably wouldn’t be here in time for the holiday. Naturally, he was upset, and was determined to find a creative way to tell me what he had gotten me. So on Christmas morning, I opened this box.

Paper wrapping a la his 2006 Valentine’s Day gift, the first gift he ever gave me. Back then, he wrapped my rotating Eiffel Tower in printer paper, and wrote notes all over it.

I peeled back the paper to find the box to my immersion blender. While I love my immersion blender, I really don’t need another one, so I was happy to see more messages inside.

And more messages.
And some more.
And a box wrapped in SEM photos of material structures from work. Yes, I clearly married an engineer.
Inside, I expected to find a photo of my gift. Instead, I found my new 50 mm f/1.8 camera lens, which I had been wanting to purchase for months!
He’s a sneaky one, that husband of mine.
You see, on December 20th, the lens hadn’t shipped, and he was worried that it wouldn’t arrive in time. After a few phone calls and emails, it went out on the 21st, arriving at his office just in time for him to head home on the 23rd.
He knew that I suspected that he got me the lens, so he decided to go along with the “they still haven’t shipped it!” story to throw me off.
The funniest part? On Christmas Eve, I had a dream that he sent me on a scavenger hunt to find my gift, which actually had arrived in time. How crazy is that?
So, like many Christmases before, much time was spent playing with my new “toy.” Here are just a few of our first shots. This lens will be a lifesaver in the low winter lighting!

Love the depth of field I can get with the new lens.

In the low light of our entryway, I could NEVER get this shot with the kit lens.

More fun with the depth of field.

Takes some great portrait shots, too. These particular photos shall be explained later…

And now I can even get decent photos in our kitchen in the evenings. HOORAY!
Any surprise or “sneaky” gifts under your tree on Christmas?











{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s so sweet that he put so much thought and effort into ensuring that you were surprised!
Those photos look spectacular! I love the depth of field. I’m definitely going to look into that lens now that I have a DSLR
YAY!!! I got a new lens from my husband, too! We have great men!
P.S. I will be responding to your and H’s email! Didn’t have Internet over Christmas!
Which lens?
So glad that you all had such a great Holiday!
Awwww, how sweet!! Spencer is a pro at sneakily wrapping gifts for me. A few years ago for my birthday, he made a whole Jeopardy game out of cardboard that had clues to my gifts! <3
That’s awesome!
Spencer is now my hero.
New rule for my future boyfriend: must take lessons from Spencer, Dan, and Mr How Sweet.
Your lens looks fabulous! I was actually all set to buy a DSLR from Barnes & Noble on Sunday but I missed out on the sale by about 15 minutes…hmmph.
Maybe someday soon!
By the way, I’m pretty sure I have that same Santa mug that Dan is holding…does it come with a hat lid??
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life recently posted..Welcome To My Tropical Paradise
Bummer! Someday…keep an eye on Amazon, they sometimes have good deals!
Not sure about the mug. I got it years ago as part of a Secret Santa gift!! I love cute seasonal mugs
Great shots! I need one badly. Even in daylight, my kitchen is dark as a dungeon. I curse the three mini lights in there. Someday I’ll invest in more gear…
My kitchen always feels dark too, even though we added a three-headed lamp!
I freaking LOVE my 50mm lens! Between that and Lightroom, I’ve been able to have some amazing photos
Mara @ What’s For Dinner? recently posted..Do You Knish
I love them both. A lot.
I love my 50mm/1.8. Learning how to navigate the focus takes some getting used to, but you can’t beat the quality of photos and price. Enjoy!
Yeah, there are a lot of blurry ones from the past few days, too. Still working on that part
Yay! Lens sisters! I love it
Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker recently posted..Happy Holidays! And Tech Difficulties
Hooray! Have you played with your’s much yet?
The photos look fabulous! Sneaky hubby!!!
I am in the market for a new lens…I’m doing my research now so that come my birthday and a trip to Singapore and Thailand I am ready to go!!!
Singapore and Thailand? How AWESOME!
Julie @SavvyEats recently posted..So Sneaky
That is so sweet! I desperately need a new lense but I don’t think I would know how to use it?!
Need to learn more about cameras/photography in 2011!!!
Pictures look great!
Jess@atasteofconfidence recently posted..Super quick post!
Awww.. that was sweet of him to still make it a surprise!
I love how he tried to surprise you! Totally cute
So, the handmade coasters are totally cute! Thank you so much! I really needed them!
And… I see you are wearing the apron I got you! Yay!
Glad to see you two had a wonderful Christmas!
Yes, I love the apron, especially the adjustable neck strap!
And glad you like the coasters. I thought you might need them in your new place!
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