That One Time I Did A Photoshoot

Hi friends!  

So last week I decided to put on my big girl pants and I took photos of the kids all by myself.  We don't really do the annual family portrait {if you wanna see pictures of my kids on the regular, I'm proficient in Instagram}...but with last year being so exhausting, and this year being so thankful, I wanted to share some Christmas love by sending out cards.  

I've been able to capture some really great moments at Mile Square Park recently, so I felt like that would be great place to go.  I had it in my head to shoot during the golden hour, but alas it was totally overcast {which actually worked out fine; a little cloud coverage can actually minimize the harsh sunlight}.

I told the kids we were going to Mile Square to feed the ducks, then take pictures, and lastly play some more.  You guys.  This is so helpful.  Set your kids up for success!  Let them know what's expected of them, kill them with kindness, have treats {I brought snowman marshmallows} and praise praise PRAISE them!  I'm not going to chalk it all up to first-time-success...I use this type of narrative with everything we do.  EVERYTHING.  It doesn't always work, but it sure does help ease anxieties.  

All of these shots are a just a few of the totally randoms.  The ones that were overexposed, the ones where they're completely out of focus, and the ones where Lilly was crying because "HE'S TOUCHING ME".  None of this would have been possible without my partner in crime {and total supporter of every nutty idea I have} TJ, who was acting a fool to get the kids to smile and laugh.

Overall I'd say it was a success!  I have a lot to learn still about working the camera, but oh by golly, I love these kids.  Merry Christmas, dudes!

^proof that Lilly let me curl her hair^