Family Pictures

We took over hundred shots and failed epically. Funny how if there was just one frame that met up to standards it would be a glowing success. Guess when it comes to family pictures you go big or go home. Maybe if the kids were giving even an iota of cooperation it would have turned out better. Needless to say there will be retakes. Maybe I'm just being to picky, but is it so wrong to want one really good picture to hang in my home. Shoot, I'd even settle for a picture where I look good and everyone else is looking at the camera. Maybe it's time for plastic surgery after all.










finally, after nearly 15 minutes of agony Natalie got what she wanted - tromping around with her baby. what a goof.

Ranch Flooded

If you've never been to the ranch then these pictures don't mean much. I've been there lots, but this is the first time I've been there when the creek was flooded. I would have preferred dry weather so that the kids could play outside and ride horses. Doug got a short ride one day during a break in the storm thanks to aunt Rachel. Lucky duck.

Christmas Vacation

The kids are not in school so they don't get a vacation from doing nothing, but they're cousins go to school and had the 2 weeks off and everyone headed up to the ranch. Unfortunately it rained nearly the entire time we were there, but the kids had fun anyway.

Christmas Morning

I thought I took a lot of pictures. Turns out I didn't.
Also Doug apparently hates Christmas.

the secret to staying thin

no free hands

CAKE!!!

I know that getting cake is a big deal for all kids, but for mine it's bigger. No really that's her excited face. They rarely get dessert because sugar makes them break out in rashes and they're allergic to wheat. It really boils down to one word "apathy." Sorry kids. You'd get more cake if your mom wasn't so lame. I just can't bring myself to make gluten free vegan desserts every night of the week. Good thing Brooke is in town or you'd never get anything. One last note: Pamela's gluten free white cake mix = not great.

waiting for cake

pooh cake

bubbles

Natalie's baby

demonstrating how to use her new pooh silverware

Natalie's baby. She loves that doll almost as much as Nicole.

it was Ashly's birthday too. So we got her a little something. Spared at no expense. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Opening it, eating it, the resulting swelling and rash. She loved it.

2 Years Old

Natalie's birthday portraits. Not only was she unco-operative, but it got dark fast. Anyway this first on is "the one" and really you just need one good one for the wall anyway....if I ever get around to printing it out. That being said I like the others too. Maybe I'll change mind. In fact I'll take a vote on it, so which is your favorite? (as long as it's not #4)

#2

#3

#4

#5