Monday, October 27, 2008

Fall Family Photos

Last week, my mom took these photos of us in her backyard. It is no secret that getting family photographs taken stresses me out. I usually turn into Bobby Knight (the coach who goes ballistic and throws chairs) and threaten the kids to smile or I will spank them, etc. This time it was a nice change. I bribed Luke and Sammie with a new toy of their choosing from Walmart and they both did a good job.

I have this bar from Rod Works in my entryway that I hang three photos from. I need one family shot and two other shots. This is where you come in. Please help me choose the best family photo and tell me if you like any of the other photos. I can't be objective on this. The only thing I focus on is which photo makes me look the least fat.

Family photos:

Photo 1


Photo 2



Photo 3


Other photos:

Photo 4

Photo 5


Photo 6


Photo 7
Photo 8



Photo 9

17 comments:

Sam said...

I want to make a couple of preemptive strikes so other people don't point out the obvious.

First, I know my shirt looks like Hell. It's a cheap American Eagle number that is too short to tuck in and is ill-fitting. I have always hated it and will forever do so.

Second, I am wearing trail shoes. About two weeks before these pictures, I threw away my leather shoes that were eight+ years old. The trail shoes are too casual for the photos, but they are all I got. Brooke told me I could wait until Christmas 2009 for some new ones.

Finally, the only overweight person in the photos is yours truly. Brooke and the kids look great.

Thanks for taking the pictures Mom.

Kelly said...

I like pics 1, 6, and 7. I love the blue clothes and green outdoors. Very cute. I wish I lived by Rodworks.

Ashley said...

These are great pictures. I immediately said "Brooke is skinny." I didn't notice any of the things Sam pointed out, went back to look for them, and did not notice him being fat or the shirt. His shoes aren't ideal but they aren't bad. Coincidentally my number once combination of three did not include his shoes: Picture 1 (this is obvious), 8 and 9. For once in his life Luke will get the most facetime in pictures. 4 thru 7 are all cute too but Sam isn't smiling big enough.

By the way the timing of this post was funny bc I taught a seminary lesson about Bobby Knight this morning including pictures. (Mary and Martha).

Ashley said...

P.S. Dino is so dang cute in those.

sarahw said...

Cute family!! The pics turned out great. Number 1 is my fav of the family. You do look very skinny Brooke. Whatever you are losing, I am gaining (and I'm not prego with #3). As for Bobby Knight, I feel completely responsible for Sammie losing it at the professional family photo session. If I hadn't placed Kate in her seat that day there would have been no tears led by screaming. Thank goodness for photo shop. :)

WHITE said...

I thought all of your pictures where awesome! I am amazed you got so many good ones.
My favs...
Photo 1, 4, 5!
So stinkin cute!

Marni Bown said...

So I think I am outnumbered but I think photo 2 is the best. I love the almost candid angle on it. It shows how skinny you are. I like #1 too. Of course the mom and daughter is so cute b/c I wish I had more of those. PS Sam...you looked totally HOT!

Amy said...

After much deliberation, I am voting for 1, 4 and 5. Although, 6 and 8 are great too. And, are you kidding me with the whole fat thing. You're way to skinny

Amy M. said...

Cute pictures. I like all the family ones but am leaning toward #1. Then, I think you should either do 4 and 5 or 8 and 9.
I'm adding you to my sidebar and I'll email you a blog invite.

sheryl said...

Number one for sure! Brooke has the skinny model look and everyone else has great smiles! I bet if you crop a little off the right and to lukes knee area you will have everyone vote number one. Just put the constraint on when you crop and you get a perfect picture. Sam, the shirt isn't bad. The colors go great and it is what Brooke wanted so ...as you know, wife happy...life happy. My only negative thought would be that everyone but you is dressed in "warmer" clothes. But hey, you're a guy so that is typical. With cropped shoes you'll have a great family photo. Then add photo 4...the one of Sam and the boys and photo 5..skinny Brooke and Sammie...(cropped in closer) and you will have the perfect wall. I have tried and failed the family photo thing so many times. I am always chasing the "perfect" cleaver family photo. I've given up and bought a temple for my living room!

Andrea said...

Brooke, I love the wavy hair. Super cute. Good photos!! you guys are all photogenic. I am reading Sam's comments and wondering why he is not starting his own blog in conjunction with yours "Let's talk about Sam! The world needs sarcasm!!!"

Sam said...

Andrea, as a fellow francophone, I appreciate your suggestion that I commence a blog. I am worried, however, that if I undertook such an endeavor, it may turn out like our sons' soccer games, where I sit in solitude and cannot get other parents to speak to me, especially the coach's wife. The thought of that type of rejection is too much...

Jaime said...

Whatever Sam! I would totally read your blog! Brooke, such cute pictures. I am ALWAYS super jealous of your family and kids pictures. They are always so cute. You look great and I love your hair! I wish I could get mine to look like that.....

Carolyn said...

Since you asked for opinions... I'll add mine. :) I vote for 1, 4 and 5 but on the one of you and sammy I would crop it in so that you can see your cute faces better and the balance between you and the one of Sam and the boys would be more the same. They all look adorable but I wouldn't let the trek shoes be seen! Sam- I think you should start a blog too.... you CRACK me up!

Jill T said...

I love the family photo #1 too, and am impressed that you have a few to choose from. It's tricky to get 3 kids looking the same direction, let alone smiling! Sam, I'd read your blog too!

Natalie said...

i love 2, 5, & 7 but they're all super cute!! tough decision :)

lindsey said...

Numbers one and eight are my favorite!