Attempt # 1

It's Christmas picture time, again. Time to get the kids all dressed up, head to a location, and have Audrie chase Finn around while I try to get a shot with them together. Audrie's been a breeze to photograph since she was just a wee little girl. She's always been patient, putting in long hours of posing just to humor her mother. Since Finn arrived, though, the photo shoots have become work. Whether I've set up a makeshift studio in the house, or have driven to a beautiful setting, the photo shoots require a lot of chasing, entertaining, and distractions to accommodate the rambunctious toddler that is my son. This year? Well, let's just say that this photo shoot was a practice round. I scheduled the shoot for Monday, which is the day I go to my mom's and grandparent's house for a visit and a trip to the library that's a block away. They live in a charming turn of the century house with a beautiful front porch, perfect for pictures. My kids, however, think the house is better suited for exploring and playing (which it is) rather than posing. Plus with a cold front blowing in and the wind gusts that accompany it, it's kind of hard to have decent shots. Having said all that, I'm posting some pictures, anyway.

This is the only shot of my kids together that doesn't involve closed eyes or blurred images of a certain someone trying to run away.

Audrie and her great-grandpa.

Finn spent the majority of the time hiding in this big drum.

While all of this was going on, the dog, who I had brought to include in the pictures sat on the back of the couch and peered at us through the window, letting out a whimper every once in a while.

Well, I was going to attempt a second photo shoot today, but with another cold front blowing in, and yes, gusty winds, I think I'll put it off until tomorrow. I wish the weather would check my schedule before deciding to change.

Nessa Dee