We had family pictures taken a couple weeks ago and I got the digital rights to all the photos last week!
Although I already shared a couple of the full-family shots on the blog, I figured it might be fun to share a few more of the kids and different poses.
Neither Dave or I love posing for pictures, so we were both elated with how well the photo-shoot went, how quickly we were finished (30 minutes!), and how well the pictures turned out for 3 little children on an unseasonably hot and humid night.
We have never gotten family pictures in the spring before, so it was a fun change of pace and an opportunity to wear a little pop of spring color! Also, even though I had our wardrobe all planned out, I completely switched up my outfit choice about 15 minute before we left 🙂
.
Nora has been a “natural” in front of the camera since she was born. I often joked that when she cried as a baby (which was A LOT), I could just pull out the camera and she would almost instantly start to smile.
She was very stubborn the day of our pictures — not wanting to wear the jean jacket, insisting that she do her own hair, etc. etc. I had a nice long chat with her before we left to get photos, and she knew that if she wanted Culver’s custard, she better be on her best behavior.
Thankfully, she seemed to hit it off very well with our photographer, so she behaved wonderfully and was all smiles! And yes, I know… she looks SO old!
.
Simon was quite shy at the beginning of the photo shoot. He didn’t want to be in the pictures, he didn’t want to smile, and he clung to Dave… as you can see, he eventually warmed up to the camera!
Also, his non-smiling poses are actually some of my favorites.
.
Despite refusing to eat anything before we left (causing lots of unnecessary stress for me!), James was FULL of smiles!
He did much better than I expected for such a little guy, and he even let Nora “hold” him for several of the pictures.
.
I was hesitantly optimistic that we would even be able to get one picture with all 3 kids looking and smiling — but to my surprise, I had several good ones to choose from!
That last one is so sweet — especially since Nora couldn’t stop giggling when we were doing that shot, and you can see her big smile even behind her hair!
.
I ordered a handful of larger prints to fill the outdated frames on our walls, and I am SO anxious to get them up on the walls.
In the meantime, I’ll hopefully be enjoying a sunny and warm 3-day holiday weekend at home with my favorite people, doing yard work, baking a few pies, waving our flags at the parade, spending time with family and friends, and maybe even catching a quick nap.
Also, I’m taking Monday off… because I can!
MORE INFO: We had our pictures taken by a rusty old bridge over the Grand River with a very neat brick building right next door. We used Zander & Breck photography — who we’ve been using for several years (I went to school with Kari).
Beatriz says
Great pictures!
JJ says
Love these! Beautiful family!!!
Emily says
Oh my goodness Simon’s photos just slay me! What a handsome little guy!! All your pictures turned out beautifully. And that bridge looks familiar! 🙂 We have pictures with my husbands side of the family in a couple weeks. 16 kiddos to wrangle for that one. Always fun!! 🙂
Andrea says
I know — he’s such a stud! And yes, we loved that bridge location! Have fun getting all 16 kids to look and smile at the same time 🙂
Sari says
I must say I absolutely love everything about your photos..the location, your colors, your super adorable kiddos and their personalities shining through, the poses, just simply everything!!
I think every single time we do a family photo shoot I change someone’s outfit at the very last minute!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Sari! And I think last-minute outfit changes are a “must” for family pictures!
Debbie says
Adorable!!! Nora is a shoo-in for a child model! She’s so pretty in the pictures, very photogenic. Simon, on the other hand, looks like a natural charmer with his smile. His serious shot, with his piercing blue eyes, is going to make him a future heart breaker! James looks as sweet as can be! Love all the pictures! I like the outfit you finally chose for yourself, with a cascading petals on your blouse, I think. Where did you get it? Thank you for sharing your photos with us!
Andrea says
Thanks Debbie!
The shirt was from ThredUP a couple years ago — it’s VERY flowy and comfortable 🙂
Amy says
Beautiful pictures! I can never get over all those blue eyes! Thank you for sharing! 🙂 Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!
Andrea says
I know! I’m the only one with green eyes in the whole bunch — they all got Dave’s bright blue eyes!
JoAnn C. says
Every picture is BEAUTIFUL. Really. My favorite is the first one with you and Dave in the forefront. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy weekend, Andrea. And I hope you enjoy your Monday off, not only because you can, but because you deserve all the best.
Andrea says
Thanks JoAnn! I like that photo too — sometimes we forget to have a few pictures taken of just us without the kids all climbing all over us!
Amanda @ActuallyAdulting says
I love the colors you chose for your family outfits! Perfect for spring! I also love that each outfit is not too matchy-matchy. They seem to show each person’s personality but the family still looks put together as a whole. Great pictures!
Andrea says
Thanks Amanda! It all sort of came together when a friend gave us those hand-me-down shorts for Simon. I loved the color and already had a scarf in the same color. Once I got the shirt for Nora from ThredUP it was a “done deal”! I like how it turned out too!
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says
These all turned out so well! It’s really impressive that you got so many where everyone looks good. And very cute outfits!
Andrea says
haha thanks Christine! I know, I was very impressed with how well the kids did. We did purposely plan the photos for RIGHT after dinner, when they are often the most “agreeable”!
Paulette says
Stunning photos! The children are completely adorable, each with their own little personalities. Enjoy your weekend!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Paulette! They all do have 3 different personalities so I’m glad you see those coming through.
Ann says
Sweet family! Great pictures! Thanks for sharing! You’re my favorite “blogger”! {{ Is that even a word?}}
Andrea says
Wow, thanks Ann! I’m honored! Have a great weekend!
Kim says
These are great!!! Love them!