We have houseguests this week! One of my favorite people, Barkley, and her son Woods are visiting with us from Charleston.
Ali has been so excited about our houseguests that, while playing with them at lunch, she learned how to transform her two-eyed somewhat spastic wink…
Into a very suave, grown-up, one-eyed wink.
Hopefully she won’t be using that to attract any MORE boyfriends. Yeesh.
At any rate, we’re so busy having fun that I don’t have too much to say, so I thought I’d beg your forgiveness and share our attempt at this year’s photo shoot.
The last time we got together almost exactly a year ago, we met halfway in Atlanta, where I attempted, quite optimistically, to get a “perfect photograph” of our kids.
The closest I got last year was this one:
And, one year later, this one:
…Still not a perfect picture, because the possibility of that happening is …not.
However, since last year, we’ve all learned a few things about photography.
I’ve learned that bribery goes a long way in getting a kid to keep a permasmile – especially if it’s PEZ.
At least for a three year old. Notsomuch for a one and a half year old.
Ali learned how to fight off her aggressors with a smile (because of the PEZ, I’m sure):
As opposed to last year.
Woods learned how to walk, and therefore escape quickly, creating the need to be repeatedly shoved back into position.
Last year, he could only dream of such things.
Ali learned to use holding hands as a helpful technique in controlling the not-quite-wanting-to-sit-still-so-she-can-earn-her-PEZ-toddler…
Instead of just barely offering her hand as an obedient-but-not-thrilled-about-it-gesture.
Woods grew out of his charmed by the older woman phase,
And entered the MUST BODYSLAM HER BECAUSE SHE BREATHES phase.
But no pictures from this year outdid my favorite from last year, the old couple in marriage counseling shot:
If I ever become a Psychiatrist, that will most definitely be on my business card.
I might, for the first time in my blog’s history, have a re-run or two over the next couple of days if you would be so kind as to let me, so that I can fully enjoy our houseguests.
OMG I LOVE that last picture…made me laugh.
You go on and enjoy your house guests.
Love the last picture. It reminds me of all the couples on the couch in When Harry Met Sally…except they don't look all happy and in love.
As for the reruns, make'em good ones, and I'll be as delighted as usual! :)
Last shot = PRICELESS! Love it! :)
Bribery goes a long way and it was totally worth it. Thank you Pez!
Wow, look how much she's grown up!!! Wow! (Well, ok, they've both grown up!)
I'm LOVIN' the pictures.
Take a bloggy break!
I literally laughed out loud and so did hubby when he asked what was up and I showed him the marriage counseling photo. How cute that you dressed them alike!
They have both grown so much since last year.
And about boyfriends? Jack watched Ali on youtube not too long before going to sleep and woke up wanting to see Ali Ali!
Glad y'all are having fun, I like the coordinating black & white striped clothes!
Bring on the reruns!
I'm going to second everyone else- that last shot is priceless!
hahahahas on the last one!!! That should go on awkward family photos!!! haha……
enjoy your house guests…I would!
Those pictures are priceless! His "Beetlejuice" pants are totally cracking me up!
Oh my goodness, that last photo could win a contest! Too funny. Love all the pictures! Enjoy your houseguests!
I have thousands of pictures like these of young friends sitting in big chairs. You're right there isn't a perfect shot… but there are plenty of hilarious shots.
I've kept them all. If one of my kids happens to marry one of the kids who sat next to them in the big chair, you better believe they will be displayed prominently on a beautifully decorated table at the wedding.
P.S. Bribery is the greatest parenting tool EVER.
I have sat here and laughed til I cried over your pictures. Oh Rachel, this may be my favorite post ever!