My Birthday Present...Family Pictures.

Saturday was my birthday. It crept up so fast this year that I really didn't think much about it until a day or two before. I told Dan not to worry about any big gifts because all I really wanted was 30 minutes with everyone cooperating for a family picture. So, after attending a baptism at our church, we headed over to Providence in Madison with a change of clothes and my tripod and snapped a few. I've been waiting for that perfect picture, and even though I don't feel like I got the PERFECT shot, I really love these because they are true to our family. Raising four young children so close together can feel like complete chaos at times (I'm sure there are many of you out there who know exactly what I mean!) and some days I wonder if I have the strength to keep it all together, but I think that's part of the beauty of parenthood. There is no way I could do this on my own. I pray constantly for patience, and I rely so much on my sweet husband and friends for support. We are all in this together (pardon me the 'High School Musical' lyric) and that really does make all the difference. 

So, I want to thank him for a wonderful gift (including the little lens he surprised me with to take these pictures!) I had a fantastic day!

 This shot was the last we took. Owen pushed the button unexpectedly so we each dove to our position. I actually liked it a little more than the others I think.  Isn't my husband just the cutest thing! :)

 The personality shot. Logan smiling for us, Owen goofing off, Ellie being stubborn, Lincoln pulling faces, Dan smirking and me with my fake smile. Love it!

 Hey, we are all looking at the camera in this one...Wow!

I took a few more of everyone too...

 Logan started a new trend...my boys think bums are hilarious....sigh.

 Monkey see, monkey do.

 Chicklet teeth.

 Puppy.

 Ellie's not big into looking at the camera lately.

I'll post more shots from my birthday later...we went out and tried the new frozen yogurt place called CC's after our pictures and it was really fun. The kids loved it!