Pictures at the Lake

The last couple of years, I have been more 'on the ball' and have planned ahead to make sure to take pictures of the kids for our annual Christmas card a little earlier than usual.  If we wait until sometime in November, the weather is often questionable (cold, windy, dreary) and the kids are not as cooperative. 

As the kids get older though, not only are they easier to work with -- smiling at the camera and following directions -- they often suggest ideas for where they would like to pose and have their picture taken.  Some of our best pictures have come from their suggestions. 

This blond-haired, blue eyed boy is 5 1/2 years old now and the sweetest, most lovable kid ever.  James is always smiling and has never met a stranger.  He is equally polite to both adults and kids and is the perfect bookend to our family.

 

Sophia, our other blue-eyed child, who is 10 1/2 years old now, is also a very happy-go-lucky girl.  She aims to please, is fiercely loyal and  reminds me the most of myself when I was younger.  

A picture with the most perfect Michigan backdrop: the lake in the background and an evergreen tree over to the side.

 

Jack, almost 8 1/2 years old, chose his own personal location and it was well-suited for him: the edge of the lake with the waves lightly rippling along.  He's the hardest worker that you will ever meet, strives for perfection and takes the role of being Jimmy's big brother seriously.

Samantha, our soon-to-be teenager this Fall, wanted a more contemplative picture and I think that we nailed it!  She is getting used to her braces and loving the new-found independence that comes along with being an 8th grader.  

Even though this picture was taken in October, the day was unseasonably warm (lots of global climate changes taking place) and the trees were still holding their leaves, making a very picturesque backdrop for us.

Two sisters, just over two years apart in age.  Both with curly hair; one with blue eyes and one with brown eyes.  So different in personality but bonded together for life.

These two have their own special bond, as well.  Both blue-eyed.  Both the younger genders in the family.

And then, once we got back to our house, I asked the girls to come with me into the woods where the leaves were just starting to change color.

Sam was working on her serious pose, again :)