What was I Thinking?
It really seemed like the ideal gift to get our parents for their anniversary. We were going to take all the kids to a professional photographer and get a group shot of all of us. We figured out a way to sneak out of the house with all seven little ones in toe. We set up an appointment at local studio. We even remembered to pack matching jeans and white t-shirts for everyone. I knew this was going to be one very unique picture and one that mom and dad were going to love.
Let me break it down for you. The picture was to be of myself and my three siblings and their combined seven children. It actually sounded like a fun day – all the kids, driving into town, doing the photography thing, maybe grabbing a bite to eat. Going home would be even better – bringing the proofs home to present to mom and dad. Really, the day almost could not be more perfect.
How foolish am I?I never stopped to think about what it would really be like trying to get seven children and four adults crammed into a tight enough space to take a picture or just how long it would actually take. I guess I should probably tell you at this point that five of the seven kids? They were all under the age of five.
In retrospect, I am not entirely sure what possessed me to plan this trip to the photographers. Let us just say that it was not the most…pleasant experience it could have been. All the ‘big kids’ had to hold a ‘little kid.’ Sounds easy right? Not when they are 3 or 4 years old and not for an hour straight. All the little kids had to be quiet and hold still and follow directions. Again, no mean feat when you are talking a whole group of little ones. I have not gotten to the best part yet, the really fun and pleasant part – trying to get everyone to smile at the same time. I have never believed in bribing your children to behave, but I promised every single one of them more treats than their little bodies could hold – and none of them are even mine! Candy, McDonalds, a trip to the beach and more were offered up to the little tyrants so we could get just one good picture.
One hour, two diapers and a melt down or two later and we finally had a good shot or two. And then my crazy siblings had to open their big mouths and ask for more!
At the end of the day we had a great picture for my parents. It is something I am sure they will cherish forever which is good, because I am fairly certain there will never be another one quite like it. Next time we want a group shot, I myself will be the photographer. I will take a shot of each person individually and Photoshop them together. And no, I do not actually know how to do any of that, it still has to be easier then what we did!