some things are just IMPOSSIBLE with 4 little kids...

one of those things is getting a good picture with everyone's "best" face.  Lauren graciously agreed to go with me and the 4 kiddos today to get some pics made.  Eve is turning 4 next month, I have very few good pics of Coleman, and only 2 decent ones of them all together... so all of that turned into a need to have them done TODAY :).  Despite the fact that Ellie has a bruise on her cheek, Clara has a healing wound on her forehead, and Eve has had an allergic reaction outbreak on her face, I am in LOVE with the group shot.  It really showcases their personalities well.

Clara (18 months) is sticking her tongue out and being cute, Ellie (18 months) is sitting nervously and very unsure about what is going on, Coleman (5 months) is going with the flow and oh-so-happy, and Eve (almost 4) is a goof ball :)   I love that they are all so different!  Makes our life SO interesting.

Here are some of Man-Man's best pictures.  He was super smiley and VERY easy to photograph.  I fell in love with lots of his poses, but had to settle on these 3.

Eve was super chatty today (like always) and did a pretty good job looking at the camera and giving an EXTREMELY cheesy face.  I had to "reset" her by occasionally telling her to make a mad face, then smile like she was riding a horse with MiMi.  When it was not her turn to be photographed, she was begging for every snack I brought, getting all of the props out of the cabinets, and arranging every rocking chair, stool, and block in a straight line and ordering the stuffed animals to stay in the chairs until she told them they could get up :).

Clara and Ellie were NOT fun today.  I used the double stroller and some chairs to keep everyone "locked in" our little photo room.  Clara was constantly looking for an escape, pitching loud and frequent fits when I pulled her away or tried to distract her.  Ellie clung to me like glue.  She would ONLY sit in the rocking chair for a few seconds if I was giving her bites of cinnamon muffin between each picture.  No smiles.  That was out of the question.  I was lucky if I was able to get a shot without a pacy and silky :).  But we tried, and I am satisfied with the picture I got of all 4 of them.  It's just a good thing I didn't need one of her by herself ... smiling!!