And then I died of happiness.

 

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This is the last family photo we have.

It hangs prominently in our living room.

I love it.

But…it’s 5 years old and missing a few little faces that have since joined our clan.

And really, since I’m always the one behind the camera, we only have ONE candid snapshot with all six of us in it.  (And we’re all mostly unshowered, greasy from sunscreen and wearing life jackets.  Not exactly the pic to go over the mantle.  Or is it mantel?)

As you can imagine, I’ve been dying to get new family photos taken.  But it just seems like there’s always some reason or another we can never make it happen.  We did a mini shoot with Drew B a few years ago, but Dad was in South Korea or Germany or something equally far away, so it was just the kids.  Then, we did a newborn shoot with Owen…but Dad was in Atlanta so it was mostly kids and a couple with post-partum me in it.  Needless to say, I was getting impatient.

Enter stage right: Cameron Ingalls.

“Clear your calendar.  I booked a photo shoot.  You WILL go.  With a happy heart.  I don’t care.  It’s happening.”

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Hey look!  It’s us.  All of us.  In the same frame.

Jesus can come back now.

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Gah!

I love these people.

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Oh my little caboose.

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The mama’s boy.  The only one who hides behind his mama’s legs and squeezes tight.

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My NOT twins.

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I love every single picture, but this one might be my favorite.

The way she looks at him.  The way he pretends to be too cool for her, but loves her right back.

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The tie.

It’s too much.

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I told him to throw away his gum.

I begged him to throw away his gum.

It’ll be fine, he said.

I can hide it, he said.

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My kids are at the age where you can really start to get a sense of what they’ll look like as they get older.

It’s stressing me out.
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The hair.  This girl has the most fabulous hair.  I’m so jealous.

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Leaves are meant for throwing, right?

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There’s Jill.  Being Jill.  In a gold tutu.  Henry’s got a stick.  Because of course he does.  Lu’s his little shadow, always right behind him, biting her nails.  Owen’s…I don’t even know…probably eating dirt or something…and then me.  Watching from afar.  Giving them space.  But not too much.

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Just pick me up off the floor.

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A stick.  A missing tooth.  A nerdy grin.  Love that boy.

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My ACTUAL twins.

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Perhaps this is why my kids like roller coasters at 3 years old?

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{Please note how everyone is holding onto the walker…except Jill.}

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Five years has added a few pounds.  Noticeable wrinkles.  And frankly, we look a lot better rested in that first picture.

But I’d say it’s worth it to have this all day every day.

 

Thanks Cameron.  You knocked it out of the park.  This mama is very, very happy.

 

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jeannett
I'm a mom to four. A wife to one. I believe in story. I love telling you about mine and would love to hear yours. There's really no sense in wasting our suffering and not sharing in each other's joy. We're all in this together...even if it doesn't always feel like it.
jeannett
jeannett

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Comments

  1. 1

    Grandma and Grandpa Brian love them!

  2. 4

    Great pictures! We used to do pictures every year for Christmas gifts. It’s been over 2 years since we’ve done them. We’re scheduled have them done this weekend and of course, it’s only supposed to get into the 30s here. Hopefully we’ll get some decent weather before Christmas.

  3. 5

    Beautiful family! Beautiful pictures!

  4. 6

    beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Love so many of these. We just had our first family photos taken last year since… 2001. Somehow, in the whole scheme of things, professional family photos aren’t a priority. But then you get them done, and they’re so nice to have, aren’t they? … Also… you are looking fabulous, lady!
    Anne @ anne b. good´s last blog post ..“My Vacation to Florda” by Sarah

  5. 7

    Oh my goodness! These are some of the best family pics I’ve seen. I found myself laughing and smiling scrolling through these.
    I always say we need to get a family pic done. We have one of all four of us. It was right before bed, on the floor of my boys’ room, done with the self timer on my camera, to send with our OCC box 2 years ago. Maybe one day we’ll get some real ones done.

  6. 8

    Love all the pics. You have a beautiful family.

  7. 9

    What an adorable shoot! My favorite is the shot of Jilly with her arms in the air.
    NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner´s last blog post ..Why I’m Blogging Like A Horse With Blinders On

  8. 10

    love all of these! what a treasure to have all of you captured like this. just gorgeous.
    emily hope´s last blog post ..Hello Monday + Art Giveaways

  9. 11

    Oh my gosh, Jeannett, these are fabulous! Captures everything so fun and cool and serious and crazy about your family. How can you choose what to put over the mantle? Share with us when you get them up.
    Robbin Mote´s last blog post ..Three Things About One Word – Silence

  10. 12

    Oh, Jeannett. These are absolutely stunning. So gorgeous. What a special family you all are.
    Courtney´s last blog post ..Joy To The World

  11. 13

    Oh these are so wonderful. I love the one where all the kids (except Jilly!) are holding on to the walker!
    Laura @ Prairie Sewn Studios´s last blog post ..Work in Progress Wednesday #5

  12. 14

    I LOVE THEM! They’re so candid and fun. You guys are great, see you all soon hopefully ;)

    Um grande abraço e beijos,
    Kayla

  13. 15

    Seriously amazing! I do like the lake picture though too. And Lucy? Oh, Lucy, you look so grown up now! Stop it!!!! And the one of you and Andy gazing at the kids. Aw. Then the next family shot…and the next. These just keep getting better and better! Congratulations!

  14. 16

    These are great pictures and you all look fabulous. Thanks for sharing!
    Caryl

  15. 17

    i just love you guys.

  16. 18

    love. them. all.
    lindsey – the pleated poppy´s last blog post ..12 deals of christmas: deal #2!

  17. 19

    Very nice family photos Jeannett. I liked all photos you have post in this blogs. You have a family of six members and same here. Your youngest boy is so cute and innocent. His photos are awesome. I think you have captured some moments of life in your camera. I know that these are the best moments of your life that your have spent with your loving husband and your four sweet little kids. Every person wants these type of moments in life but they can not make as of lack of time in life.