family pictures.

We got our family pictures done early this year, mostly because my mega-talented sister was very much pregnant, so we had to squeeze them in before she had her adorable boy.  And also so I could check those off my list and shop for Christmas cards early. ;)  So I thought I'd post a few of my favorites.  (A.k.a. not any of the ones I'm using for our card. Gotta have some surprises, right??)  

And despite having the world's orneriest two-year-old during our pictures, my sister still managed to get some amazing shots.  Can't thank her enough (thanks, Carly!).  I love them all!  But seriously though, Ace was on one that afternoon.  Terrible two's at their finest.  And I love that kid to the moon and back, but some say three is worse??  I won't make it out alive.  Teddy, of course, was a complete charmer.  Angel baby.  I really love that kid, too.  

My favorite picture of all time?? ^ Possibly. I can't get over his squishy cheeks and double chin and the belly flash.  Oooh Teddy. 

What's in his mouth?^  Oh just a mint.  #chokinghazard (off topic but have you seen this?  haha...)

Good thing his sad face is still pretty darn cute.

Kirk "modeling".^  Stick to your day job, honey.

And last but not least, Ace mid-meltdown.^  Oh, buddy.

In his defense, he has far more good days than bad where he is my happy, sweet, and funny little buddy.  And Kirk's buddy, too.  Per recent developments we now have a skate ramp in our garage (more on that later) and every night when I start making dinner Ace asks, "Daddy come home?  Riye skae-boar??"  And just last night he and I sat down to eat dinner together (loaded sweet potatoes with ground turkey and beans etc.), and I wasn't sure how he was going to like it so I just put his plate down and kept pretty quiet about it.  But, after eating a few bites he turned to me and said, "Mmm, good mom!"  My heart burst a little bit right then.  Love you Ace, even if you do give me a run for my money sometimes :).  

Moral of the story is: two is a rough age for family pictures, I guess.  But here's a tip - just have a super awesome sister who will understand and take amazing pictures anyways.