Family Pictures

I dread family pictures with all my heart. As my family gets bigger, I begin to appreciate/understand why I can only remember two family pictures formally initiated by my mother. Those are not happy memories, and I was only the sulky teenager. Well, for Christmas I sacrificed a piece of myself for M's and my parents' sakes, and scheduled family pictures with a very talented and patient photographer friend, Keri Blue.

Me, trying to direct:

"Okay everybody, sit nicely on the floor and look at the camera..."

"I didn't say dogpile, boys. No, really. Look at the camera now!"

Everybody sort of looking straight ahead. Good enough. "Okay, time for the kids' shot while Dad recoups. Alright, all you kids sit around the bench. We'll start with Jacob in back..."

"No. I mean it. Sit down NOW and look at the camera! This is not a jungle gym! William, stop sulking. James, don't crawl off the set. Older boys, could you please help them?"

"Good enough. Okay, let's have some fun now. Everybody sit down, we're going to try something different.... Hey, stop fighting, everybody. No, it's not Clara's fault! Michael, wake up! James, Will, stop crying. You're not going to die."

"Whatever. Kids, go play. Let's do one of just us, Michael. Smile--if you still have it in you. (These are always so embarrassing.)" "Done! Thank you, Keri! We'll see you in 7 years."

(To view in larger sizes/higher resolution, click here . Will's wink is his signature smile these days. It's worth it to peruse all the excellent pictures on her blog. For family, or friends who are interested in the full monty, go to Keri's website , to galleries, to online proofing. Let me know so I can get you the password (akmallen@yahoo.com). There are some funny ones.)