One good picture.
Is that too much for a mom to ask?
We recently went on a hike. It was one of those “let’s go for a walk” moments when Handy Husband dupes us all and we end up hiking 7 miles. I’m fairly certain the entire trip was uphill both ways, but I probably imagined the snow and burning coals part. The mud was real though.
If you can’t tell, there’s a chasm between Handy Husband’s definition of a “walk” and everyone else’s. But we are all healthier for it.
If you ever go on a “walk” with my husband, make sure you pack your survival gear. You’ll probably be outside WAY longer than you anticipated.
But I digress!
Anyway, we finally reached the second summit during this hike and I wanted to get just one nice photo of me and the kids.
Except my son was “having a moment.” Probably because we just hiked up two mountains and he swore both his legs, his pinkie finger and his right butt cheek were broke. And we were out of fruit snacks. He wouldn’t even look at the camera.
And my daughter. Well…
I don’t even know what to say about that. Maybe, it’s always the quiet ones that surprise you? Maybe, she takes photobombing to a whole new level?
I finally wrangled her in closer, but my son was still being difficult. He gets his stubbornness from someone…definitely not me.
I actually liked that one though for a few reasons.
#1: The camera caught me looking down at my daughter with a smile. I don’t remember what was expressed in this moment, but I know it was silly and she made me smile. I’m thankful for her easy-going spirit. Plus, she mixes fabric patterns like no one else.
#2: I am still strong enough to hold my 6-year-old.
I know he’s probably too old for that, but there will come a point when I will never be able to pick him up again. Do you remember the last time you held your youngest child? If I knew it was going to be the last time, I’d be bereft. The gradual passage of time is merciful in that regard.
Holding my kids is one of my greatest joys as a mother. This boy still sits on my lap no matter where we are: home, restaurant, train, bus, move theater. He melts my heart with how fiercely he demonstrates his love.
#3: My hair does WILD things when it is windy (and when it’s not windy). You just have embrace it and laugh.
Then we finished the photo session with this gem. Heads cut off, finger over the lens and my husband looks like he has man boobs.
Slap that one in a frame.
Fast forward 4 days.
The kids and I went to the park on a dreary, drizzly afternoon.
“This rain is perfect mom! We don’t like to get too hot when we play.”
Glad we moved to Ireland then, kids.
When we were finally ready to leave I saw a beautiful field of daffodils. I told the kids I wanted one good picture before we left.
This is not what I’d classify as “good.”
Nor is this.
But, again, spot on with the pattern mixing.
And this one take good to a whole different level.
By the way, I don’t post photos that my kids find objectionable. Rest assured, they are quite happy with these photos.
I’m still hoping for just one good one that I can actually put in a frame. You know, if I actually went to the trouble of getting things printed to go in a frame with any sort of regularity. Truth.
If this was a Hollywood-type blog, I’d finish this post with a perfectly-styled family photo. Alas, this is real life. My real life. And sarcasm aside, I’m pretty happy with how it’s going. Faux nose picking pictures and all.
P.S. No bones or butt cheeks were actually broken in the course of our fun family hike.
I have so many more stories! Want to read one?