Sunday, March 2, 2008

Traumatic Events

I hope that one day my children don't look back on the times that I tried to get a good family shot as a traumatic event. Yesterday Gunner got in uniform, dressed the kids and we headed to my mom's house. We then loaded up my mom and went towards the front of her retirement community, Sun City. We found a beautiful spot with water, rocks and trees. Enter from stage right three screeching children. They wanted to play in the water. They wanted to throw rocks in the water. There were rocks to hop on, hop across the water on. The sun was in their eyes. The rock was wet. They wanted to be in the shade. Eyes were squinted and threats were made. We gave up and left.
(Yes, everyone's eyes were closed in this shot)

We then headed to a park in the neighborhood thinking that it might easier (and with more shade) so we could get the perfect picture there. Junior didn't want his picture taken so Gunner held goldfish and would give him one to eat while I snapped away. I think in every picture there is a half eaten godfish making an appearance.

We decided to walk around the pond and down a trail a bit, which went through the golf course of senior citizens enjoying an afternoon round. That is until we found a tree to put the kids in. Gunner hoisted Em up and she got stuck and started screaming. We gave up that plan and kept walking.

A fallen log! We put the kids on the log and I started to snap away again. Junior didn't want to be on the log, he wanted goldfish. Em didn't wants Abs near her. I have pictures of them fighting on the log. What great memories!


(Em shoved Abs off the log at this point because they were touching)

We kept walking and found a log bench. Em wouldn't sit with Abs at all. Abs wanted to look for "fairy hats" and Junior was busy following Abs. I didn't want to be in the pictures, but it ended with my mom taking pictures of Gunner and I together.....and in almost every picture you can tell I am telling one of the kids to "Stop that!", "Quit Fighting", "Don't touch your sister!".

After that fiasco we headed over to the community center which has a pond with giant Koi. A couple had their granddaughter there feeding the fish and they had a dog. I wonder if they will remember in 30 years that the fish and the dog were more interesting than preserving memories!

Abs always squints and never wants to look at the camera. Junior likes to have his mouth open in every shot (probably waiting for food). Em just doesn't want to be near her sister.
Interesting family pictures are better memories anyway, right?

13 comments:

Gypsy at heart said...

LOL.....Just wait until they pull out one of those photos in 30-40 years and write about it. In memoir writing we examine the photos in detail to elicit memories. I wonder what they will remember.

Old Cowboy Dan said...

Mom's always right, save the pictures to embarrass them in front of their friends when they are older. Our D#2 was always squinting into the sun, when she got older she told me it was my fault that she had light colored eyes and was bothered by direct sunlight.

Your Dad and I had to be separated when we were kids also, that's when a sister came in handy.

Anonymous said...

If they do complain, just blame it on me. I've been hounding you for recent family photos so I can finish the surprises, so it really is all my fault : )

I'll stand up and take the blame for you! (Its kind of easy to do from this far away)

jlc said...

I love that your title for this is traumatic events. Your commentary is just as memorable as your photos. These are things you pull out on the 18th birthdays right in front of the new bf/gf. Love it. And I love koi ponds too!

Butterfly Wife said...

What a bunch of great pictures! My favorite family pictures are of the ones where everyone is not ready for the pic. In fact I like them so much, I got my favorite, non-ready photo framed. :D

The Mrs. said...

What good pics! I love the very last one, its a great shot of your very lovely family.

My little one is just like yours, his mouth is always open for food. He's just hoping something will land in there!

CJ said...

The last three are actually nice and I really like the one of you and Gunner.

Besides, give a little time, this may be one of those memories you can cherish, as in - remember that day I wanted to take your pictures and...

My best memories from childhood are like that.

cjh

Unknown said...

Just think of the memories you had that day! Love the pictures!! now if only i could get my 3 yr old and 1 year old to sit still!

jellissc said...

Honestly, isn't this the sound track to all family photo sessions: "If you dont leave your brother/sister alone, sit still and cooperate I'll(insert age appropriate threat). NOW SMILE!" Despite the bribery, threats, intimidation and coercion, somehow we still manage to get one or two gems. You got some really beautiful shots and they will appreciate that you and Gunner took the time when they are older. BTW the one your mom took of you and Gunner is beautiful.

The Teacup Cottage said...

I think it's better to have a good story than a perfect picture. Just think of the laughter you'll get 20 years from now when they call you complaining that they spent all afternoon trying to get thieur kids to sit still for one minute for a picture but it never was accomplished ... who'll have the last laugh then!?!

MaryLu said...

One great picture at the bottom of your post!! Whoo-hoo! That's about my ratio too, I take 168 pictures, and delete 143 of them!
Nice looking family!

Erin said...

Too funny...

Reminds me of how I feel when I'm trying to get my dogs to pose. It never works. Lol...

wendy said...

I love your photos! You have a great family!

We tried just before Christmas (and deployment) to get a family photo. What with clouds and grouchy kids and closed eyes none were perfect, but what can you do?