Oh, you want me to smile at the camera?

Let it be known that I got my child to smile at the camera.  A rarity these days. 

Granted it took several tries, but I got it. 

"Layna look at me."

And guess what?  She listened. 

But I needed to be more specific.

"Smile."

And guess what?  She listened! (Which is no small feat might I add.  Listening has not been her forte these last couple of days.)

So there you have it.  Documentation that my child does in fact smile for the camera.

Our Family Pics

We decided before the weather got too fall-ish we needed to get our pictures taken. And based on the temperatures today, I am soooo glad we got them done when we did.

Carolyn took our pictures. She is Amazing! Need I say more?...except that we had a great time getting our pictures taken....and that's saying a lot. Especially for a guy like my husband who cringes when I mention we need to get pictures taken.

Might I also add that getting pictures taken with an almost two-year-old, is way different than a one-year-old or a baby. Patience is a word that is coming to mind. Although, it really turned out to be a pleasant experience.

Here are a few of our favorites of little Miss Alayna:

And a few (or a lot) of our favorite family pictures. I am torn as to which one is my favorite. I think it's this first one, but I just can't seem to make up my mind. I just love how Alayna has her arms around both of us.

Her popped hip is to die for.

Just the two of us.

There you have it. Carolyn really did a fantastic job!

Framed

This project was inspired by the ridiculous cost of picture frames.

You could easily spend $30 or more on a nice frame...

Or you could pay $3 and use your own two hands to make it one of a kind.

If you can't tell, I was on a frame-making kick.

I even made a frame for a mirror.

Now, on to hanging them up!

Family Pictures Lessons Learned

Here are somes things I learned after getting our family pictures taken:


You simply can't control the weather (I know. Go figure, right.)

Even though April is spring/summer in St. George, that doesn't mean it is in other places so think twice before you buy short sleeve shirts (especially for your baby).

When praying that your six month old will be good and smile for family pictures, you need to actually specify how MANY smiles you want.

A smiley six month old who is accustomed to warm weather, will NOT smile when taken outside for an extended amount of time in cold, windy weather. (Ok. She did give us a FEW smiles.)

When planning a trip, it is almost impossible to get away at the time set. (Right, Mom...and Dad.)

Driving through Provo at 5 in the evening can take a LONG time...there is such thing as heavy traffic (At least, as far as I am concerned. I am from a small town, you know).

It is possible to console an unhappy baby who wants to get out of the car and put on your make up at the same time.

It is also possible to get dressed in the back seat of the car, while driving down a busy street, and not be seen...at least I hope so.

My 6' 2" husband can also change his clothes in the car. Yes. He is talented. I know.

Did you know that movie theater bathrooms do not have outlets? Well, they don't. So forget the whole blow drying Alayna's wet, curly hair. (Lucky for me, the wind solved the wet problem.) In fact, after being disappointed about the outlet scenario, I got to thinking, what public bathrooms do have outlets?

Being out in the cold (without a jacket), for the first time in almost a year, can make you sick.

Despite all the bumps in the road, we still had a fantastic time getting our pictures taken. (Thanks again, Bethany!)

Truly Talented

A couple of weeks ago, Dan, Alayna and I had our pictures taken by my sister's friend, Bethany. She is truly talented and a complete joy to work with. We absolutely LOVE our pictures! These are just a few. I wanted to post all of them, but instead just visit her wonderful blog.