Our next big challenge...

trying to get all 4 kids to look and smile for a picture!!!

Our first attempt at a "staged" photo at home was nothing short of a disaster. After getting out the outfits I had been planning for months, we went outside. The grass was still a bit damp to which the kids' protests of getting their feet wet was not a good sign. Olivia was NOT liking her hair accessory - a ginormous purple flower headband. And, standing still and following direction was last on Matthew's list of things to do. He happened to find a stick, which I thought might keep him still if he were allowed to hold it. Although he stayed put, he was swinging the stick and naturally the stick found its way to Lucy. She got whalloped across the cheek and promptly burst into tears. Though we actually attempted to take a couple photos begging Lucy to push through the pain a give us one little smile, it was pretty much hopeless as she could not contain the tears. Matthew then started to cry, sensing he was in trouble. And, then, Olivia started to cry, though we are not sure whether it was empathy tears, or the fact that she was just plain fed up with the flower on her head...

Attempt #2
Much better. We went to Big Marine Park Reserve for a picnic and I was able to snap some candid photos. Though their outfits weren't exactly coordinating, they are most looking the same direction and mostly smiling - I'll take it!!