Porch of July!

I don't know what it is, but since Jake was a tiny only child, the 4th of July photo shoot has been a tradition. Maybe it is the cute red white and blue outfits that are so easy to coordinate, or maybe it is just because I love America, but either way, I can't get enough of these cute faces.  And this year, I didn't even have to leave our own front porch to get that "All American" look.  Thanks to Arthur and his little helpers for painting our chairs "farm red."  They look awesome!  I give you Porch of July (and the cutest babies I know)

Win...Win? Adventures in Family Pictures

Family pictures...what a nightmare an adventure.

I realized a few weeks ago that I have very few recent pictures of my with my babies...especially with my boys.  So my amazing (and ever so patient) friend, Kristen and I decided that we would take my kiddos out for a little evening session.  She could get some camera practice in and I could have proof that I existed.  Okay, that may be a little dramatic, but long story short, it seemed like a win win.

After mentioning our little outing to Arthur, he said that he would go.  I tried to play it cool but my jaw may have dropped a little.  Family pictures are not this man's favorite event, so it was an offer I was not passing up.

Fast forward a few days later, and the time is set for optimum lighting, the location has been selected, and coordinating outfits have been assigned.  We're ready!

Well, of course, Arthur vetoes my location because he thinks it was too far away, each child is a little under the weather (each with different things), and some how the dog gets invited.  But we rolled with it anyway.  I kind of had this "it is now or never" feeling about the whole event, so we loaded up the car.

Kristen hadn't even got her camera ready before Jake was not longer responding to his name because he had started his entomology study of the location, James was crying because Jake had stepped on his finger, and Scarlett was fussing because she was had now decided it was time for the nap I had tried to get her to take 6 times that afternoon.  We were off to a good start.

Poor Kristen...this is what she was had to work with...

Arthur's true feeling about Family pictures captured

If only James and Scarlett had a pitchfork, they could be do their own version of American Gothic

But she did her best.  In total exasperation, I am pretty sure, I called it quits at least 15 times.  But knowing how important it was to me (or maybe because they were terrified that if we didn't get something they would be forced to do this again in the near future), Arthur and Kristen ignored me.  We bribed, we threatened, and I almost cried...but in the end we did get a couple of keepers.

And since this all started because I wanted a coupled of pictures with my boys, I guess after everything, it really was a win...at least for me...the verdict may still be out for Kristen.