Family Pictures

I've slowly been letting go of the idea that our family pictures need to be perfect.  For a long time I let family picture day turn me into a crazy person.  Sad, but true.  Stressing about everything from what we will wear to whether or not my kids will have "normal" smiles.  (You know what I'm talking about!) ;)  When I'm older and the memories of this time in my life become fuzzy around the edges, I'll have our pictures.  In perfect pictures I'll probably see a slick hairdo I forced some one into that morning, a fancy pair of loafers that were never played in because we only got them for picture day, and the kind of smile plastered on a face that says "my mom just threatened me."  Is that really what I want to remember?  Or do I want to remember them as they truly were?  I can imagine my heart being warmed as I notice that unruly patch of hair that just couldn't be tamed so we never bothered...the collared shirts paired with crocs because what else would they grab when we tell them to put on their shoes...glimpses of their personalities that shine through in a signature smirk or a thumbs up.  That's them.  That's what I want to remember.

I've been doing better the past year or so, and my crazy has been showing less and less come picture day.  But this was the first time I feel like I really got it right.  Now, in all honesty, I was totally at Kohl's two days before trying to pull together coordinating outfits.  But, I wasn't stressed!  It was actually fun (I was alone so that contributed heavily to the no-stress factor) :)  Anyway, Abby is not only an amazing photographer, but I'd also count her as a friend.  I'm sure that comfort factor had something to do with things going as well as they did. She just let my boys be boys and I think they actually had fun on family picture day!  Gasp!!  She captured some fantastic shots.  I'm in love with all of them. :)  My sister's response to the one I posted on fb?  "This is SO your family!"  Nailed it.