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And Other Assorted Photographic Hijinks

Before I share the photos I took of my eldest son, I think I should give a little information about my Elijah. Elijah is six. He is energetic, funny, super smart, often antisocial, and quite introverted. He is the sweetest six year old you’ll ever meet, but most people don’t know it because he won’t talk to you you, look you in the eye, or generally acknowledge your existence. We’re working on it. In the meantime, an activity…such as a backyard photo session…which is pretty fun for his siblings, is akin to having teeth pulled for Elijah. He tried to cooperate. He even wanted me to take his picture. He just had difficulty….you know…smiling. It’s harder than you might think for a six year old introvert. So, without further ado, I give you…”Incredibly Awkward Photographs of an Extremely Beautiful Boy”.

Grumpy Look

Painful Forced Smile

He momentarily snapped under the stress.

The stress left him feeling…irritated.

Have you ever seen a deer that has been shot? They generally bite their tongue in pain. I think Elijah…is…in…pain.

He might be sick.

He’s awfully cute when not being tortured.

For this rather pleasant looking photo, I simply told him to stop trying to smile and just look “nothing”.

I think he’s got some bark up his butt.

What’s this!?! A genuine smile!

He started scooting further and further up the tree, trying to hide among the leaves.

He’s just so sweet without the grimaces and groans.

Not the prettiest smile in the world, but I had to share these chin dimples.

Finally! A photo I love. This is my Elijah. Quiet. Sweet. Loving. A good, good boy. In this photo, I can glimpse the young man he’ll soon be.

Now that’s a good looking boy!

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Abby Jo and Kyra Joy — My Sunshines

A very proper little portrait.

A little more relaxed.

Now we’re getting the hang of this photo shoot thing.

Giggles!

Working it!

Thoughtful girl.

She’s so beautiful.

Her complexion kills me.

I keep getting glimpses of a not so little girl.

She takes my breath away sometimes.

I know you want to pinch her cheek, but she wouldn’t like it.

Tiring of pictures and playing with her hair.

My Lovely

Don’t you love those freckles?!?

I’m afraid to close my eyes, for fear my little girl will be all grown up.

My sweet, sweet girl.

I’ve had her for almost eight years. Time flies!

Finally, she wanted a picture with her cat, Oliver.

I recently traveled with the kids to Fort Knox, KY to return Amy’s daughter, and to stay a few days to help her get settled into her new home. In between decorating and shopping and feeding kids, we made time to play in the water one evening. We had loads of fun.

Owen’s first ever drink from a water hose.

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Aunt Amy let Abby have a go at the water hose.

I love watching Kyra interact with her baby sister.

So cute!

Owen Shane

I love to see my boy so happy!

I was trying to get in on the action.

Sarah tried to help me out.

I finally got the hose…and turned on Sarah!

I’ll get my own girl, too.

I was having a blast!

Jeremiah had been cavorting with his father, so I blasted him with some water.

That’s right, Joel. Run! Run away!

Joel went in the house to fill a pitcher with water to dump on me while I chased down his sneaky little offspring with the hose.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it.

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The one in which I look like I’m pee’ing.

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In case you’re waiting for the picture of Joel dumping the water on my head…it’s not coming. He failed. He failed miserably. So, therefore…not picture.

This is most of my family (plus three friends) on a recent trip to the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, TN.

A few weeks ago, we took a family trip to Frozen Head State Park. Chris, the kids, Toby (the dog) and I hiked up to two different waterfalls. It was a lot of fun, and great family bonding.

Kyra played the role of photographer at the beginning of our hike, and she took this photo of the rest of us.

Abby Jo enjoyed herself.

I climbed on top of the first waterfall we came to.

We know we are totally awesome on top of the falls.

Abby eats a rock.

Me and my progeny under the second waterfall, Emory Gap Falls.

(Please to notice how that when I take the picture, the waterfall is actually included.)

It was a beautiful day with beautiful scenery.

I couldn’t help but be amazed at God’s wonderful creation.