..family pictures..

a couple months ago, when i realized all of lance's family would be in town for christmas, i decided it was a good idea to schedule family pictures. i wasn't sure how the rest of the family would feel about it, because they all seem to have a long history of despising having their pictures taken. they blame their mother, who apparently never stopped snapping photos and entered them in all sorts of modeling contests and such. yes, really.

i was pleasantly surprised that all (besides nanny goat) were very compliant and even seemed somewhat excited to have a family photo taken. and bonus, dave said he's always wanted to be part of a family that coordinates outfits for family pictures! happy to do my part in making dreams come true. ;)

we had to move the location indoors due to the weather and sub-freezing temps, but luckily alison (the photographer) knew of a really great location - heritage gardens. it is a reception center and worked out nicely because we could do indoor and/or outdoor. we got a great variety, which i'm really happy about.

i think the pictures turned out lovely. i don't know why i'm always surprised that we usually seem to get great photos. if you video taped our photo sessions, you'd probably be surprised, too. ;) one two-year-old during a session is generally enough to make you want to commit yourself to a mental facility. either that or make you totally question why on earth you'd pay money for photos when they never seem to cooperate. throw in another two-year-old and it just felt like a circus act. ;) i'm kidding, it wasn't nearly that bad. lucky for me, i know to keep my expectations low. i always say if there is even just one photo with everyone looking toward the camera - success! and we got quite a few so i'd say it was a total success.

if anyone is looking for an affordable photographer, check out alison neeley photography. she just started her business a few months ago, but is fantastic and talented. she keeps her prices low because she believes everyone should have the opportunity to have family pictures, without having to pay an arm and a leg. i really love that about her. plus she is easy going and fun to work with. :) thanks for the great photos, alison!