Chaos

19 people all looking mostly in the direction of the camera and smiling.....

Sorta...

Turkey Day

I don't know how professional photographers manage to get cooperative family shots.  We manage to get most shots that look like this one.  Nobody is even looking normal or even ready to get their picture made...  We are just trying to get the majority of the people situated and  pointed in the general area of the actual camera.  Yes, it was cold.  Yes, it was complicated.  

I don't know ANY family who is NOT complicated....

And even though it is complicated, and difficult and challenging.... these are still my favorite people.  At the end of the day they matter most.  They impact and shape my future and they made me who I am because of years past.  They grow and change as our family does and I so enjoy their presence at each holiday gathering.  Though complicated and difficult, it is my family and I love it.

Take 27.

Perfectly imperfect.

NYE

I have a fearless child.  She knows nothing of that word.  She's not afraid of the dark.  She's not afriad of noises.  She's not scared to tell you how she feels or what she thinks.  She does what she wants.  And yes, she woke up like that.  She arrived like that.  She came to us with no fear.  She is determined and stubborn and a mess.  I  love her and her zeal for life!  

Fireworks, no problem.  She was disappointed that we wouldn't let her shoot the BIG BIG ones.

Still love this guy.

Happy New Year (in March)...

6 years of NYE together and we still smile.

Punkin

I have nothing to say about this child.

She is out of control crazy.

She loves the same way; out of control and crazy.

She is the sweetest little girl when she chooses to be.

She's dramatic and exhuasting and bossy.

None of those things are negative, they are just HER.

I'd venture to say that this guy is her all time favorite person, after me of course.

All she has to do is ask and he pretty much gives....

Perfection in a train hat and Christmas pajamas.

There isn't a whole lot else to say about this one.

I want to make sure that I never forget how she puts emphasis on some of the strangest syllables and uses some of the best vocal inflection I've ever heard.  She is the most pleasant child with the best manners ever.  She isn't typically disrespectful, but she has her moments of out right defiance.  She spends more time asking questions than anything else all day long.  She is happy to help and a fantastic sock matcher, folder, and can put clothes up like a champ.  She doesn't like to brush her teeth or hair.  She likes a bath in place of a shower.  She loves lotions, lipsticks, and anything that  might sparkle a little bit.  She is fierce.  I predict she will rule the world, or at the very least, create a great one for us to live in.