All I wanted was just one decent picture of all my kids together. Just one. That’s all. I mean, surely it wouldn’t be that difficult to get five kids to look at the camera and smile at the same time.
Surely?
So we set out to get our pictures taken. A lovely Christmas gift for family far away. All the grandchildren smiling and look oh so happy. What a great idea.
Yeah right! Like that was going to happen.
There always has to be one, doesn’t there? Or in our case today–two!
Come on Cade, just a wee smile—pleeeeeaaase.
Haven, it’s okay, Honey, you don’t have to cling to your sister. All is well. It’s just a picture. Now could you just try and give a little smile, please.
Close your legs just a little, Hannah-Claire. Let’s remember to be a lady.
Good job, Haven, that’s a better smile. Just try a little harder, Honey. Look at the camera, okay?
Oh Cade, could you please look at the camera, dear. We see your smile, but you have to look up, okay? And don’t forget to put your hands down.
No Cade–look this way, Honey.
Come on Haven–what happened to that little smile you just gave us? This is really not all that bad–we promise.
Kellan, look up, Sweetheart.
Haven–you look completely miserable–could you just try and look happy, sweetheart. Please. We know you can do this thing. It will all be over before you know it.
Cade–if you look and mommy and daddy and pretend to smile just once, we’ll take you to get a McDonalds Hot Fudge Sunday after this. How does that sound? We know you love ice cream. When last did you have ice cream, Cade?
Bribery does work perfectly every time, right?
Wrong!
Great smile, Cade–now just look this way–at the camera, Honey.
Oh Haven–umm, too much stocking (or hose, or whatever those things are called), love, could you please put your legs down a little. Yes, the torture is almost over. Could you try and smile, just one more time?
Loose the goofy look, Connor.
Cade–for crying in a bucket, maybe if you let go of your mouth it can move into the smiling position. You remember the one?
Yes, Haven, your sister is still there. Look up, Honey.
Connor, open your lips when you smile.
No, no, Cade–you’re going in the opposite direction now. We don’t need to see your perfected pout. For goodness sake, could you please, for the love of it all, show us your sweet smile.
Haven, Haven. Anybody home?
We see you holding back the smile, Cade–let it all out, sweet love. Let’s see it now. Come on.
Okay Haven–great looking up–just face this way for ten seconds. PLEASE! And try smiling–it will make you feel so much better.
That was it! Every single one of the pics we got of the kids. And they’re just perfect.
Aahh—the joys of parenting. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!
