We went to take our annual family portraits today. We scheduled it so that both boys would be rested, fed and happy. We spent many days planning our outfits and looking for shirts in just the right shade of red so that we'd all coordinate. So off we went, a perfectly matching family in our freshly ironed red shirts and khaki pants, happy and with full tummies. But somehow between the house and the portrait studio, everything about the boys' moods (yes, BOTH boys) changed.
It couldn't have gone worse.
It was so bad we didn't even get to stick around long enough to see how the portraits actually turned out. We had to high tail it out of there so fast, I forgot to even pay for the session. Fortunately, the people there were very understanding (and patient with us the whole time, no mean feat), and said we could pay when we came back (w/o kids) to look at the portraits.
So, our Christmas cards will look something like this: Me smiling at the camera, but my hands in a vise grip to keep Mister's hands from hiding his face as he glares menacingly at the camera. Scott smiling while trying to keep Pumpkin's hands out of his mouth, the drool off his face and keeping him from pulling my hair. I highly doubt we got one decent picture where everyone was cooperating. But I don't know for sure because we never got to see them. Every time Mister would flare up into a tantrum, Pumpkin would cry too (he's a sympathy crier, yippy).
So tears were shed, tantrums were thrown, and no amount of bribing worked. Imagine the fun and be glad you weren't there. And laugh when you see our cards this year knowing what kind of herculean effort went into getting any shots worth sending out.....
****SIGH****
6 comments:
You're so funny! I can remember taking our first family portrait with Daniel when he was about 10 months old. Wow!! Was that an event! Not only did we experience similar conditions (only with one child) but by the time we left the whole place stunk of poo! It was emberassing.....and I don't think we've ever been back! :)
Don't worry, been there, done that. It hasn't gotten easier when they're older, at least not with my kids. You can tell the older ones to not move but they'll still want to see what's taking so long getting the younger ones to cooperate.
Oh the joys of children! I remember one year growing up my parents were setting the timer on the camera to take family pictures. My brother made a face in every single picture - a whole roll of film. He had to write a letter to Santa apologizing.
I'm just so impressed you have a head start on holiday cards. I suddenly feel so behind. LOL.
Hang in there...we don't have a single studio family portrait due to similar issues with the kids.
Ooh, I can't wait to see them! Tantrum or not, it is almost impossible to get two or more small children to pose nicely at the same time.
It's so good to hear that other families have times like these! I can totally relate! Thank goodness they are only moments along the long path of life. (By the way, I read Pride and Prejudice and loved it!)
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