16-year old dream: "My kids will ALWAYS be decked out in GAP clothes." 2010 Reality: Some days I am simply thankful that everyone has clean clothes on that fit them, and if they match? Wow! It's my lucky day!
16-year old dream: "My kids will NEVER act that way in public." 2010 Reality: Thank you, Lord, that only 10 people gave me the evil eye while I herded my four children through the grocery store, constantly saying "No, not today" or "I'll add it to your list" or "Keep your hands to yourself". (To my kids' credit, I must admit that I often get complimented on how well behaved and patient they are in the store. I'll share my tips to how this is possible in a later post.)
16 year old dream: "We will have the most beautiful family pictures! My kids will be so absolutely perfect that they will smile for each and every picture ever taken of them." 2010 Reality: Have you ever tried to photograph 4 kids, 2 of whom are 4 and under? Be thankful you have only 1 crying!
This last scenario is the one I'd like to share today. Several years ago, when Hunter was 1, Hudson was 2 and Samantha was 4, we had a horrific photography experience. The boys both had croup, and we were trying to take a large group shot with my parents, brother and my sister's family (at that time, they had 2 boys). I will scan this picture and share it with you soon, but it scarred us. Terribly. Last November, I convinced Matt that the kids (6, 4, 3 and 8 months) would do a great job taking their picture. They did amazing! It was a great picture of them! Better than I could have expected. But....keep in mind...Easton wasn't crawling.
This year, Amy, my amazing dear friend (and neighbor -- I'm incredibly blessed to spend a lot of time with her) offered to take pictures of our family. It is our first picture as a family of six. She got some great shots! Here's a few pictures of my gorgeous family (I'm not biased or anything...)
And here's a few shots of my kiddos on their own...
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| Easton -- 18 mos. |
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| Hunter -- 4 yrs. |
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| Hudson -- 5 1/2 yrs. |
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| Samantha -- 7 1/2 yrs. |
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| I couldn't resist adding this one -- he's my cuddlebug, and I'm so glad Amy got this shot. I will always treasure it. |
And a few of Matt and I.... (which were extra special to me because it has been SO long since we've had our picture taken together).
I think the pictures turned out pretty well, considering we have little ones who are in stages where they don't like to (a) smile, (b) sit still, (c) both!
I hope you enjoyed these! I have SO enjoyed sharing them with you!
