Once a year I gather the 5 of us up and try to take pictures for our Christmas card. And to be honest, I don't make it too big of a deal. I take the pics myself, so there's no photographer to have to deal with, and I do it on this trail right behind our house. So, come November I just wait around for the weather and lighting conditions to be okay, and then give Josh a heads-up that it's coming. Low key, right?

Well...apparently my husband hates taking pictures. His Mom assured me he's done this forever, and his sour expression in no way implies that he's ready to cut ties with the family and run for the hills. Josh kept dragging his feet to start getting dressed, even after I had the kids and myself ready....and I was trying to beat the imminent cold front! It was less than an hour away!!! This coupled with the major tiff we had over the creative direction of the photo shoot (seating options, shoes, standing vs. sitting)...oh yeah. Josh looked thrilled to be there. And since when does Josh get to be creative director for anything regarding pictures???

In addition to the fun I was having with Josh...I had waited on Meredith to wake up from her nap, figuring she'd be ready to go, but she apparently just wanted to run around and pick up rocks. Sitting for pictures wasn't on her list of things to do today. She eventually cooperated though.

And Wallace...he stared at his shoes for most of it. Ha! Good grief. At least Anna was on board.

Look what a happy camper!  Ha! At this point all 3 kids were running away from us down the trail. — Look what a happy camper! Ha! At this point all 3 kids were running away from us down the trail.

She would go from limp noodle to planking.

I think we managed to get a keeper. I'll have to let Josh pick which one will go on the card later I guess...since he only smiled in one, and that may have just been a grimmace. Anyway...glad my family doesn't have to have these meltdowns in front of anyone else. We just do this for our very own entertainment. :)

Cropping helps!  ;) — Cropping helps! ;)

Anna wanted a little photo session before we went back inside. :)

Anyway. 2 out of 5 isn't bad on a Christmas card...right? Oh well... I assume this 15 minutes of sitting for photos will always be a struggle. It's hard to get all 5 of us dressed up and awake and happy all at the same time. At least the outtakes are funny! :)