Do you want to know a secret? When I try to take “nice” pictures of my girls I turn into a whining, pleading, bribing, yelling, exasperated mess. There is a reason that whenever you see pictures of my kids they are half naked with crazy hair and breakfast still stuck to their faces. (And not just because we spend a lot of our time that way.) Once I get them dressed and their hair done, they are on to me and are already running from the camera. It is better to catch them by surprise. But sometimes, just sometimes, I really want some pictures in which they are looking somewhat presentable. You know, like when I am contemplating sending out Christmas cards. You would think that by now I would have sibling shots down. I’ve done pictures of larger families without a problem. I’ve read all the tricks of the trade. And yet…. I don’t think I have a picture I love of all three of my girls together since Lucy and Elise were infants.
Today the sun was shining (!!!!!), nobody was sick, and we had nothing planned so I figured we should go for it. Forty minutes later we were out the door with only a few tears. We were outside for over an hour. I waited, I played, I sang songs, I gave instructions, I begged, I promised candy, I danced, I raised my voice, I bribed some more, I pleaded, and finally I just gave up. So for all those Moms who think they are the only ones who struggle to get pictures of their children — you are not alone.
I always like to start my photoshoots off right. I'm pretty sure I didn't ask for kissy faces, but thanks anyway, girls.
Lucy is the queen of funny faces in our house. She didn't disappoint today. (And Elise refused to let go of that hat.)
I'm pretty sure Annika kicked her camera after this shot. She's obviously very enthusiastic about getting her picture taken.
Elise gets in on the funny faces...
When Hollands smile, their eyes tend to disappear. Paige calls these "smile eyes." In this case, however, Annika's eyes are just closed and it has nothing to do with smiling.
We love each other anyway...
. . . most of the time.
Let’s end with a few good ones, just so I go to bed a little bit happier.
Monica - Such is LIFE! I loved these pictures beyond words!!!! The funny faces are absolutely PRICELESS!! Oh how I wish I knew Lucy and Elise in real life but I love getting to know them through pics and Anni… She is so 3!
Yep lots of exclamation points it’s just how I roll. Why am I tearing up Erica??! I miss you guys. A lot.
Cristine - I love this post more than I can say!!!! I laughed out loud! I love all their crazy faces… especially the kissy faces! And that last one of Anni… AMAZING! She has such beautiful eyes! I love you all so much and miss you like crazy!!!!!!!!!!! (See… I can beat Monica with all the exclamation points! ha!)
Rebekah - I love the pictures and I think they are perfect. Euphey thinks the camera makes a “kissy” sound when it clicks so now almost all my pictures have at least one kissy face. You are truly amazing!
Becky - Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing these cute kids with us. Can you over use “cute?”
Deja - Super cute pictures. Super funny post. But my favorite part? Those outfits. They are gorgeous. Pat yourself on the head for those alone.
Mary Anne Miner - Erica, I honestly laughed out loud at the description for the picture where Annika has her eyes closed. You are hilarious. And the funny faces!! Oh my goodness, your girls are so funny.
I feel the same way about photo shoots. It is no wonder why Sadie usually has Nutella smeared across half her face in most of her pictures. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be smiling