Outtakes from Family Photos

     Here are a few of the funny and quirky outtakes from our family photos on Thanksgiving. If you could guess, most involve a nearly 3 1/2 year old and leaves that were at his disposal. Probably part of what kept JT so happy and agreeable while we snapped photos for a long time. Some of these photos make my heart smile in how they capture the true essence of our family.

 Sarah and JT playing in the leaves

 This is what happens when you take a ton of photos facing the sun. Court trying to get rid of squinty eyes.

 Mommy and JT playing with leaves

 Lindsay clueless as to what is about to happen.

 

I absolutely loved this little sequence happen while I was taking Lindsay's individual shots. JT had perfect aim.

 John and I being goofy

 Lindsay exhibiting her super strength and taking me by surprise.

      During the family shots, we used a tripod and a timer on the camera. The camera would take about 10 photos in a pretty quick sequence. Unbeknownst to me, Lindsay and Courtney would use some of the shots to goof off.

Courtney crossed eye and kiss lips.

 Lindsay looking to the sky in amazement.

 Courtney's evil tongue look. I think JT was even attempting to contribute to the crazy faces here.

     JT also had the opportunity to photo bomb some more photos by storm. John and I were taking a few shots and being silly with some kissing shots. 

 Looks like John knows something is up.

 Ready, set...

Fire!!! JT did this several times and giggled in delight.

Dancing in the street!

Strike a pose! Such goofballs!

Sisterly love.

Happy Birthday Lindsay!

     Lindsay had a birthday this week. She celebrated turning 15 over the past several days. With her birthday falling after the Thanksgiving holiday, she got a early start on the festivities when Sarah was in town. We did the birthday dinner as a family the weekend after Thanksgiving so Sarah could be a part of the fun.

Where did Lindsay choose to have her birthday dinner? Red Robin!  The three sisters enjoyed the meal and had some great time chatting.

Of course being the awesome parents we are, we made sure to tell our waitress we were there for Lindsay's birthday. The entire restaurant and staff sang to Lindsay and brought her an ice cream sundae to enjoy.

 Before Sarah returned to CU, she had Lindsay open her gift. Season 1 of The Big Bang Theory. A recent favorite show for Lindsay.

 John and I also had Lindsay open her gift Sunday evening. We had a specific reason why. which I'll explain in a sec.

 Hmm what could it be? Crazy looking name on a box.

 That knowing look! 

 Yay!!! New boots!

 A perfect fit. Why we gave the boots early to Lindsay was because she had been talking for some time about having to look good for her actual birthday. It's the first time ever(if memory is serving correctly) that Lindsay's birthday fell on a school day. She wanted to look special on her special day. This way, by opening the gift early, she could wear the boots on her birthday to school.

 In addition to the boots, we took her shopping to get a few new sweaters. This was one she had in mind before going to the store. She was so happy that she was able to find it.

 The birthday girl on her actual birthday.

 The celebrating winded down on the evening of her birthday by opening cards sent from Aunt Cathy and Nanny (my Mom).

 Forever 21 gift card! Lindsay's favorite clothing store. *Where we purchased her birthday sweaters.

 Nanny added to the Forever 21 jackpot with a gift card as well. Lindsay is looking forward to a shopping trip very soon.

 To celebrate her birthday, John picked up a 1/2 dozen cupcakes from Gigi's. They were oh so good!

 Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday to you...

Making her birthday wish.. 

     Happy 15th birthday Lindsay! Looking forward to what this year has in store for you. Also nervous/excited about teaching you to drive. Learners Permit, here we come!

Family Photo Shoot

     On Thanksgiving day, I saw it was going to be a beautiful warm November day- near 70 degrees for the high. I thought it would be the perfect time to take some photos to update the blog photo title and perhaps get some shots for Christmas cards.

     My sweet family was kind enough to play along and got ready and even coordinated their outfits to mesh well with one another. By no means do I claim to have any type of talent in photography, but I do enjoy capturing their sweet faces. I think I managed a few decent shots.

 JT

Sarah

 Courtney

Lindsay

     Capturing family photos proved a bit challenging and comical (which you will see in another post soon). We used our tripod and timer to help get a few shots. The main challenge was all of the shadows and sun. It was either too bright and we had squinty eyes or we weren't fully in the shadows and had spotty light/dark spots on our faces. Maybe we will splurge with some professional sessions for the entire family next year.

 We moved to a spot that had a bit more full shade and had better results.

 We even managed to get a few of John and I.

Loved getting all four of the kiddos together for these shots. This is one of my favorites.