Every year around this time I trudge out into the snow with the family all dressed up as we make our way into a portrait studio right around rush hour.  I choose this time because the weekend appointments book up so fast and I need to have a time that the whole family can be there.  Unfortunately, right before dinner is a really crummy time.  Everyone is tired and hungry.  The kids woke up from their nap and I was in a mad rush trying to give them a snack, cleaning them off, and getting them into pretty dresses, doing their hair, and then getting them into their snowsuits.  Phew…oh yeah, I have to look presenatable too.

We get there late as usual and as you can imagine with a three year old and a one year old, it is very difficult to get one great shot.  I am seen behind the camera jumping up and down like a manic person getting out of breath trying to get the kids to smile.  Our family shot looked “okay”.  My oldest daughter had a glazed look over her eyes and my youngest wasn’t really looking at the camera.  The shot of the two girls looked “okay” as well.  My oldest had a fake smile on and my youngest was looking at the camera but not smiling.  What are you going to do?  They have nice dresses at least.

Every year I tell my husband I am not going through the drama again.  Every year we say that next year we are going to do something candid from our camera and make our own Christmas Cards.  However, every year we go through the same rushed ordeal for a “okay” turnout. 

Tis the season for the rush!