A few family shots

My friend, Cynthia Wright, came by to get some shots of us for a church activity she's doing. She had some fun with it, and we got some silly shots. We started off at the apple tree, which is in full blossom. It's a cute shot, and Dakota ALMOST smiled. Almost.

So, we went over to the barn. I love the barn. Here we tried again...the kids were a little too silly. Except Dakota. He's still figuring out how the smile thing works. Ellie's trying to remind him it has something to do with cheeks and lips....but he's not paying attention. Hunter's got it--cheesy, but he's got it! Solomon's just wanting to get away from the cat Cheyennah's holding. "GET ME DOWN!" he says.

Alright. Here ya go. We'll all pile onto Mom!

This was fun, but a little painful. You see, Cheyennah and Dakota got on LAST...and they are the biggest. So, it's not exactly the best position to be on the bottom of this. But, I was cracking up! Solomon was wondering what exactly we were doin'. Again, Dakota avoided the camera's lens. Don't worry, we'll get him! Cynthia's got him to smile for her before, so I have faith she'll get him again!

But, after all this jumpin' on me, and freaking the cat out (he ran outta there!), it's time for a little break. Notice in this one how Ryken and Ellie are. They are so tired from the sun that they can hardly contain themselves! Dakota's still doing the "tough guys don't smile, they grit their teeth" thing. Cheyennah and Jacqueline look happy to be rolling around in the grass. Sweet girls. Solomon is playing with me, so I'm lauging, because he keeps "tickling" me. He giggles, then I giggle, then he cracks up, then I crack up. Pretty cute boy he is.

Speaking of boys...what to do with this big teenager that doesn't smile? Aaahhhh....Cynthia knows. What'd ya suppose she showed him that gave him this little smile???