Most Recent Family Photo Series

A friend of ours took some family photos for us last weekend. My kids don't exactly perform for formal photographers, so I thought we'd start formal and move on to something more candid...something that would get REAL smiles and expressions from these people I've built my life around.

The winning family photo. My friend had to merge two photos into one, but it worked. James is *almost* smiling and Robert is...well...*sigh*...

Alice's portrait was easy. She even looks half-relaxed. Growing up, this one.

Robert hamming it up in his portrait. He HATED the polo shirt collar. Like a dog with a wound, this kid couldn't leave it alone for three seconds. I suspect the collar was partially responsible for his passive aggressive silliness. That, and, he's suddenly embarrassed to have his picture taken. Too soon, my boy!

James *almost* smiling. It took quite a few potty words to get this much out of him.

Not a natural smile for Matthew, but a cute one. Can this kid do *anything* that's not cute?!

Real smile! That's my Robert enjoying an arm wrestling match.

Real smile! Matthew and bubbles. Cute.

Kid tug-o-war. Alice holding her own against Robert and Matthew.

Determined James.

Whole family tug-o-war. You know I'm getting serious when I scrunch up my whole face. By the way, James is always on my side. Always.

Matthew's face is my favorite in this one. When challenge comes, he's scrunches up and grits his teeth (quite literally *shudder*) and gives it his all. I'm pretty sure he's pulling in the wrong direction, though.

I was so into the tugging that I forgot my friend was there taking pictures. I can be freakishly competitive (sometimes) and a poor sport at losing (all the time).  It's not a part of me that I'm proud of, but I get over it quickly (usually).