Photo Success!!

Today I took the kids to get their Christmas pictures taken, and it was GREAT! Truly wonderful. The set up was relaxing. They had balloons, suckers and a movie playing for the kids and I could pick out the pictures in peace. Oh, and my mom came along to help entertain the munchkins and brought her bag of tricks along. How sweet it is!!

On the way to the studio, Katherine kept asking how things would play out... what color would the background be, would she be standing or sitting, could she twirl around in her new dress, should she smile big or just a little, would Caleb be in with her, or would she be alone??? It was a typical 20 question conversation with Katherine. As we continued to talk, I figured out that although she wanted pictures with Caleb, she also wanted some alone... Evidently she claims that she hasn't had her picture taken in a while and really wanted some of just her... What is that??? To say that my kids aren't well photographed, is fiction... pure fiction I tell ya!! LOL.

Both kids were wearing red and black clothes, but I couldn't really find any black shoes for Caleb. As a last ditch effort, I stopped at Target on my way to hospice last night and picked up a pair. But I have to confess... they were hideous. Just awful. But, in pictures, they'd look better than brown.... So I bought them. I kept stewing about the shoes -- I hated them.... I couldn't really put them on him... What on earth would I do with them after pictures? He certainly would NEVER wear them again! I decided to call Danyel to see if Walker had any old ones that Caleb could wear in pictures. Sure enough, she had the perfect pair. The only problem was that they were AT LEAST 2 or 3 sizes too big, but for pictures, would it really matter??? NOPE!! Oh, I swear, we couldn't keep them on him. He'd walk a few steps and they'd fall off. Finally, I took them off and carried that poor kid out of the mall!! But man, they looked good in pictures! LOL!

I've got to tell ya.... it seems like Caleb has grown up overnight. The last time I got his pictures taken, I was dripping with sweat, cussing under my breath, and beyond frustrated. It didn't seem worth the effort. For some reason today he got it. He sat and smiled. He interacted with Katherine. He actually smiled for the camera (gasp, shock, horror). Oh, and when all else failed... he could be bribed -- and no, I'm not above bribing for something as important at Christmas pictures!! I told him that if he sat still, I'd give him a sucker. Let's just say that his little rear end was planted! LOL. Worked like a charm!! It was actually enjoyable -- and I haven't thought that in quite a while!!

Now I'm just hoping that I can sweet talk Danyel into scanning the Christmas pictures so you all can see them. They turned out sooooo well!!

After the pictures were taken, we decided to grab a bite for lunch. I had to stop at the ATM, and Caleb kept walking. Little ol' mother hen (Katherine) caught sight of this, and put her arm around him and said "Come here sweetie". Oh my goodness... They were adorable. Walking hand in hand, talking in sweet little voices, watching out for one another. Let's just say this... I got so many comments from complete strangers...

OK -- I'm off to scrap. I haven't scrapped in ages, and after today, I'm totally in the mood!!