Family Pictures

We are so excited about he newest member of our family- our Canon Rebel T2i!! I have always wanted to learn how to take good pictures, but I have known that I need to start with a camera that is capable of that first. Jason has always had a great eye for taking pictures, but after his guys trip in early November, he came home with more appreciation for great photography, as he saw his buddies taking some amazing pictures and capturing some great moments.

He had been researching cameras for a while and came across a great deal (Has anyone ever known Jason to not find the best deals ever?!). We decided to buy each other an early Christmas gift and dive into this hobby together. This little baby showed up on our doorstep the day before Thanksgiving. It has been so much fun to play with. I have loved walking into a room and seeing Jason crouched on the floor taking pictures of some random thing or whatever person happens to be around. He is getting really good and trying to teach me what he knows. I can't wait to take a class and learn more, but I am already amazed at what it can do.

We decided to take advantage of Janelle being in town for Thanksgiving, and had her take our family pictures Thanksgiving morning with Jen. We thought it would be fun to try out our new camera too!

Getting everyone ready at the same time for pictures is always a little crazy, so I called for reinforcement and had Kristin come help out with the girls.

Jason has been so bummed that Ashlyn's curls haven't been the same since this summer. She has always had such pretty natural curls, but it has become more of a wave and only a few little ringlets remain. I have been blow dying her hair straight, but he wanted her curls for our pictures, so Kristin had to add a few curls with the curling iron.

I was so glad that Jason had the camera to play with because it kept him from getting impatient while I was getting ready! He walked around the house taking pictures of the kids and then found me in the bathroom putting on makeup. Normally, I would have shooed him away with a camera in his hands, but he was preoccupied and happy and I realized it gave me more unhurried time to get ready, so I let him snap away.
When we were all ready, we headed to a cool downtown spot Jen had been to.

Lauren cracks me up! She loves the camera! Whenever it comes out, she is the first to jump in front of it and strike a pose!

Ashlyn wasn't so sure about posing by herself. (I love her cardigan though!)

Her eyes are starting to turn green like her dad's! Love it!

laughing at Ashlyn

I love this picture because it captures our happiness, but I don't love me in this picture.

I was bummed this one was a little blurry, because I think it's a nice picture of us.

This was probably the easiest session we have had trying to get our annual family picture. Nobody was grumpy and the pictures came out pretty good!