I’ve looked back and I have posted on family photos every year. There is the do-it-yourself version. Here is a story on pushing through failure. The rest are just shares of the photos. Proof, now, that we continue to grow, in size and number.
To keep up tradition, here’s the family photo post for 2015. As I’ve said before, I love getting photos of our family. We even did it twice this year. As we get more and more settled, more and more of these images will find homes on the walls. I can’t wait. During our time in the rental, I missed seeing our family photos the most. If you are on the fence about getting family photos done, here’s my plea: do it. I’ve shared a few points on why.
If you’re a mom, it’s a must.
Tell me. How many photos have you been in this year with your children or partner? I’m going to assume not very many (it helps the point I’m trying to make). Even if it’s only once a year, schedule time for family photos so YOU can be in the photos, too. My mom has said that if she could do it again, she would be in more pictures with us. Whether you take them, a family member pushes the button or you hire a professional, take photos of the whole family, including the momma.
It’s fun! Or, the fun will happen years later.
There might be grumbling and complaining. There may be a pity party or two thrown. Momma might get a little bossy and grumpy. However, I have yet to see someone not enjoy looking at photos from years past. Time goes so fast and the little ones grow even faster. I look back at our photos from two years ago and I can hardly remember my little snuggle bugs that size. So sweet! I promise, even if it’s challenging and cumbersome now, having the images later will be a valuable pay off.
It provides memories.
Photos might be the tangible, physical pay off, but there is another pay off: the memories. I can remember funny bits about all of our family photos because I was there, with my babies and husband. We were together, in the moment. Want to know about this year’s photo shoot?
-We used Carpe Season Photography again because I love how Eric and Liz work.
-The day was light and lovely but cold with a healthy wind. The plan was to get the photos done before it got too cold but, oops. So the morning of, I had to buy a few matching outdoor apparel options so we wouldn’t lose fingers.
-Our clothing colors were based off the children’s attire, purchased for my sister’s wedding which happened over the weekend.
-To add more color, I had planned on wearing a pink cardigan but right before we left, Pipsqueak planted his face right in the center of my shirt so I had to change.
-Pip’s shoes didn’t quite fit and they kept falling off. After trying to jam them on for the fifth time, I asked MJ to just hold the shoe over his foot to make it look like it was on. Haha!
-The children warmed up for a few moments in the vestibule of a museum and that picture (the lead in above) is one of my favorites ever. The spontaneous ones are the most fun.
-Afterwards, we got hot chocolates all around. Mmmmmm!
If you are so inclined, send a holiday card.
Might sound like a pitch but hear me out. My sister got married last Saturday. It was a blast. I was the maid of honor (matron sounds so old and fuddy duddy) and Bug and J were flower girl and ring bearer. Pipsqueak was supposed to as well but he fell asleep right before go time. We ate good food and danced until way passed bedtime. The best part was seeing lots of friends and family we definitely don’t see often enough. I tried to talk with as many people as I could because, gosh, it’s wonderful to see people face to face.
But weddings and gatherings don’t happen every year or even every other. One way to stay in touch is through photos and letters. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the snail mail we receive. I LOVE getting cards and photos from family and friends from around the world; it’s makes me feel that we aren’t so far apart. So send a note or card, elaborate or simple. Keep up those connections. They are what makes life amazing.
—-
It’s December! Christmas is only a few short weeks away! We have the tree up but no decorations. I have the mantle cleared off but nothing is set. I have some gifts purchased but I’m still stuck on some. I want more time! Are you ready?
