Family Portraits

About two weeks ago, I twisted Matt's arm into joining me and Erika in some family pictures. We haven't taken Erika's one-year pictures, so I thought I would combine that with some pictures of our family of three before it becomes a family of four. And, I wanted the pictures done before my belly got too much bigger! Fortunately, we now have the perfect photographer quite close to us. It's none other than Sarah Parnell! Matt and I think that since we have a digital camera, and know how to operate it, it's a waste of money to hire a professional photographer or go to a studio when Walmart will make any size of prints you want! For much cheaper. And, Sarah did a great job of taking the pictures! So, we got all dressed up and went to a nearby park for some outdoor shots. The weather was perfect! Erika, however, was not. Here is the first shot we took.

To my credit, I chose a park that did not have a playground structure in it because I know all Erika would want to do was play. But, even though there were no toys, she had no interest in sitting still on our laps, but wanted to be walking around instead. We were there for probably close to an hour and did manage some good shots. Here are a few samples. Don't worry, grandparents, your copies are made and ready for delivery!

Here is a better family picture! It took about 0.3 seconds for Erika to be off our laps and up again after this picture was taken.

Most of our time was spent waiting for Erika to get done looking at leaves or grass or bugs and want to sit with us. Here, she's showing Matt her treasure she found.

Waiting for Erika to get interested in the camera.

Please note Sarah's shadow in the background.

More treasure...giving the bark to Aunt Sarah behind the camera.

This is my favorite shot! We blew this one to an 8x10 for her one-year picture.

The slightest hint of a belly on Mommy. I guess the other baby didn't want to be left out of the family portraits! Erika is trying to imitate Mommy's belly.

Nearing the end, I think Erika is ready to be done (so is Matt)!