Family photo shoot

Last Sunday Spencer, the girls and I headed over to Point Mugu with Boppi and Grandpa Al to attempt a family photo for our Christmas card. It was rough. The girls were super excited about being at the beach- wanting to run wild, and not be told to stand in one spot and smile. I've included a few of the ones that didn't make the cut- mostly for memory purposes- to be able to look back and remember the days when the girls were young and crazy, and taking family photos was close to impossible. Luckily I wasn't expecting much. Being pregant, feeling fat, and having a limited wardrobe to choose from would put most women in a pretty unphotogenic mood. Spencer wasn't very understanding of my unwillingness to cooperate though. Men!

This first one was actually at the end of our photo shoot- the sky was still pretty but the girls were getting tired. Madi was cold and I'd wrapped her in Grandpa Al's hoodie in hopes of heading back to the car. But Spencer insisted we come back for one more.
Elle was definitely the silliest of the bunch. She'd missed her nap- making her extra hyper. Holding still was out of the question!

Not a posed one below but I love how Spencer and I are smiling when really I think he's probably telling me to loose the attitude and at least try to make this a good experience. I'm sure I'm probably laughing at him asking him to look at our crazy girls and tell me how we're gonna get a good picture out of them.

Awww..... a picture of just the two of us! I think it's being 5 1/2 months pregant that ruins it for me. But I do love the beautiful sunset, the crashing waves, and my handsome husband- so I figured I should include it.

Always being silly!
Always waiting for Elle to come join the picture. . .

I thought the shoulders would be a good idea- I can usually get Elle to look up and smile when I put her on my shoulders. No such luck!

And this brings us back to the end again. . . Though none of these made the cut, we did end up getting one decent picutre of the four of us- all looking and smiling. The lighting wasn't the greatest, but I really couldn't stress about it. Pictures were sent into Costco Tuesday night and the girls and I headed up to Brentwood the next day. Now I just need to start gathering addresses and get them mailed out before Spencer and I fly out to Utah on December 1st.

But for now, the girls and I are having all sorts of fun here in Brentwood with Gram and Papa. This morning we followed a flock of 12 wild turkeys through the park (picutres will come later- when we get back to Camarillo next Sunday). Then we dipped peanut butter balls and ate one too many! And at church today Madi and another little boy were the musical number during sacrament meeting. They sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." It was adorable! I never tire of hearing Madi sing! We're looking forward to seeing Spencer on Thursday- he flys in Thanksgiving afternoon. And since I probably won't be posting anything more until we get back, happy early Thanksgiving to you all!