annual pictures

Beautiful light does not always equal beautifully behaved children but thank god for digital memory cards and experienced photographers.  Last year we had family pictures taken.  Loved them.  This year, around the same time (allie's birthday) I wanted to do them again.  I want Maddie and Allie to know me as something other than a narrator on their blog or as a giant head as I try and take a self-portrait...I want them to have pictures. With all of us. 

We arrived at Discovery Park around 8:00 PM.  We had about five minutes of fun times before a giant balloon was lost.  Did you know you can see Giant Balloons floating away for a VERY. LONG. TIME? I thought that we were doomed after that.  Maddie was beside herself.  I tried to bribe with veggie booty.  Both girls, especially Allie, seized that moment, said "screw you, I'm not smiling, I'm eating." And I thought I was doomed again. Note to self: dangle the booty, offer it up as a reward for smiling and pay up after the pictures are done.  Instead I had to pay with the booty, and then go the ice cream route.  All was well in the world...until both girls repeatedly (tired...no naps) tripped and fell.  Once again, doomed.  But alas, 1.5 hours later, we had 10 decent family pictures (out of 5000) and one very happy mama.