Whoa.

We have a tradition on Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorites. We take the time to take an annual family picture, and I think every year it just gets better.

My wonderful sister in law, Missy, is always my photo assistant. I had a new camera last year, and wasn't really sure about the settings. The pictures looked fine when we took them, but when I got them home, they were all fuzzy.

Fast forward one year, and one photography class... and I kind of know how to take a great shot. But it's hard to do, when you want to BE in the picture. Enter: The need for an assistant.

Also add two children who do anything to NOT be in the picture, and it makes for an impossible task. If I set up the tripod and the timer, I figure their patience would last one or two frames. Not good odds.

So this year, we decided to bring my brother outside with us. (And he was THRILLED to leave the game so he could make funny faces at my kids!) He did his best to get their attention, and made funny sounds... but it wasn't working well.

UNTIL...

We found a caterpillar. It was really fuzzy... and when my brother put it near Missy's ear... she squealed... and the boys laughed. It made for a great picture- but it's hard to hold the camera still when your having a heart attack.

Somehow though, we managed to get this great family picture. It's the kind that every mom dreams of. It's the kind I will blow up on the wall, and stare at for years. It's the kind I would have expected to pay for.

I don't mean that to sound like I am bragging... but my luck with the ENTIRE family looking at the camera is not good! And on this shot, we hit a home run! Not to mention the great backdrop, and good lighting.... It just makes me say Whoa.

Thanks again Missy and Dave for helping out. Thanks to Nancy and Paul for having us to dinner- because otherwise on Thanksgiving I would be stuck in the kitchen. And a big THANKS to my boys for putting up with dear ol' mom!