Family Pictures!

**If you don't need the play by play go ahead and skip down, there's tons of pictures!**

I was noticing recently how the last time we had family pictures taken, Sammie wasn't even on our radar. I mean, my SIL took a few shots for us at my sister's wedding when Sam was 4 months old, but really they're not my favorite. Not because Kerstin did a bad job (she didn't - she's awesome and I'd recommend her to anyone even though she's not technically a "professional") but for a bunch of other reasons. I didn't like the way I looked, we didn't get one with everyone looking at the camera, the outfits weren't what I would have chosen for family pictures, etc. etc. etc.

It had been bugging me for years but I was hesitant to bring it up because Justin megaloathes family pictures. I get it, it's frustrating to take pictures with a bunch of wild animals children who require constant bribing, cajoling, and bargaining in order to get the job done. On top of all that, you need to maintain YOUR composure and keep a smile on YOUR face while your children are throwing exorcist style tantrums in the background and just pray that the photographer snaps the picture in such a way as to make the tantrums look like something that we planned as a fun photo op. And even after all that, there's no guarantee that there's going to be a good one. Sigh.

However, when I brought it up with Justin he was very agreeable and on board! Apparently three years in between family pictures is a good space. It's long enough that it gives you time to forget the last experience (much like childbirth).

I found an awesome photographer in our stake. She'd done some pictures for a few other families that we know so I already knew I liked her work. When we spoke I told her I only wanted one thing:

A decent picture where I look good, every one is looking at the camera, and no one is obviously crying or pouting.

I tried to set the bar low.

We met her on the Notre Dame campus for the photo shoot. The first thing that happened when we met up with Stephanie was Josie got very angry. "She's prettier than me!", she pouted. (Seriously, who is this kid - what four year old thinks these things!?!) Stephanie is pretty, she kind of looks like a Disney princess but you really can't compare the two. However, since I needed her cooperation I started in on the "no, no one's prettier than you" spiel. (**I know, I know, it makes me angry at myself that I went there too, but I had to do what I had to do for a good picture. Three years people! Three years!)

We were in kind of a rush because we had about 30 minutes before Justin had to leave for work. I think Stephanie did an excellent job. The kids (and Justin) came through for me in the end and I am very pleased with the end result.

I will now share a sampling of the pictures. But I'm not giving away the farm here, I'm saving the true gems for the Christmas card. So if you're not on my card list and want to be let me know. They're going to be frame-worthy this year.

Here we go:
Now, if I were to officially title our shoot, I'd call it "why you should never do things with a two year old". They're bribe proof, bargain proof, and reason proof. It's just a fact.

This pose (below) was not a good idea. Sammie clearly doesn't understand what's happening and, again, Noah's giving some serious face. (Is there an 'America's Next Top 6 Year Old Model'? I think he'd win.)

These two (below) happen to be two of my favorites. Of course it's the ones where we all look goofy. Go figure.

 Me and my man. My shirt is not doing a flattering thing here. Promise I'm not pregnant.

I actually really like these ones on the bench and I think I may have used them for our Christmas card if Justin and I had been sitting closer together. We kind of look like strangers sitting on the same bench. Sigh. Bummer.

I call this last series, "the two year old is officially over it":

She did get some really great individuals:

 Hello handsome!

 He looks so good when he's not giving us that weird cheesy smile!

 She was over it too, until Stephanie showed her what she looked like on camera. Then Miss Diva turned it ON!

 Sammie refused to be posed (no one is shocked). But we got some good ones. Love this baby!

This one of the girls might actually be my favorite shot of the whole day. Seriously. I love the interaction, the candidness, the happiness. Makes my heart smile.

 And, of course, these fine men. Be still my beating heart!

We had a pretty good experience with family pictures this year and hopefully, in another three years, it'll be even better (they'll ALL be old enough for reason/bribery/threats then - muahahahahaha!) Huge thank you to Stephanie Purcell for the pictures and to Justin for going along with me on this. Taking family pictures isn't necessarily my favorite thing, but I sure do love the result!