Last year I told my secret about I how I get the family to smile so broadly just before a picture is taken: “If there’s one sure thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the only way to make everyone really smile for a picture is to say something absurd or entirely out of character and then give them three seconds to realize why you did so.”
It turns out there’s an easier way -
Standing there with your wife’s reading glasses perched on your nose, holding a small flashlight in your mouth to illuminate the camera control panel, trying to remember how to set up for a timed-delayed photograph is a pretty sure fire way of getting the giggles going too.
I so much wish that I could hold on to this. Just not, you know: Ever let it go.
It seems like everyone (almost) is weaing the same thing they wore in the last photo!!
Love both pix, Lex. Your family is gorgeous — very high level of genuine good looks and intelligence visible there. And as for the Son — in the words of today’s young women — wow! What a hottie!
Marianne Matthews
You (and we) all have much to be thankful for this year!
Lucky the kids got their looks from their Mom!
You’re a lucky man.
It took you so long to figure out the camera that one of your daughters had time to change her shirt? Sheesh.
Great pictures, terrific family, Lex – priceless treasures!
I agree Cap’n. Great looking family,
I thought, however, Naval Aviators are supposed to have 20×20 (or better) vision. What’s with needing to use your wife’s reading glasses to view the tiny instructions on the camera?
A beautiful family, Lex.
I love your family pictures. Had to go back and take another look at last year’s. And looking at your wedding picture and this year’s picture of SNO, well, I think I can see how you’re related. I must agree with Marianne, he’s a good looking young fellow. Genetics are strange though. Personally, I figure it just proves ‘evolution’ … fortunately, the kids are always much better looking than the parents. [ICWSFTH]
Excellent photos!
Michelle, some of us can remember a time when Lex didn’t look much older than SNO, none of that salt and pepper–and SNO and siblings were no higher than a hubcap. But the Hobbit looks ever the same. Amazing, isn’t it?
Awesome pics! The smiles are contagious–I could picture what you with the glasses, etc., and then seeing The Hobbit’s reaction absolutely cracked me up. People here in the library are looking at me funny, but I’m still smiling…
Zane, I know, I’ve seen some of the older pictures too. And its weird how his better half never seems to age. Lucky gal … I either want the name of her beauty lotion or the type of man who will make sure that I never age in pictures.
You do have a beautiful family, Lex.
I tell people all the time, it feels like I blink and my children grow so much. I’m afraid to keep blinking… one day I’ll blink and they’ll be gone. It all goes so quickly.
And wow, good catch by Jeopardy. I didn’t even notice that… obviously I’m detail deficient when it comes to clothing. Good Grief.
I hear you, with regard to wanting to hold on to it. Great picture – they are beautiful!
Lots to be thankful for there, Lex. Have a happy and joyous holiday season to you and yours, and to all who come here.
R/Lee
Surely the best of times for all concerned.
Now that’s a fine looking family, Lex! You have every right to be a proud papa and husband … thanks for sharing those great grins with us
Funny thing about the shirt change – eldest daughter looks at photo in the display and tells her younger sibling that “that shirt makes you look fat.” Youngest runs into her room and changes – final pic.
Sisters.
Tell the Kat she looks great in both. As does the Biscuit, of course.
But (and you don’t need to tell her this, although I’m sure she already knows) the real difference is that in the final take, Kat looks a fair bit older and … ahem … I won’t say it, dad, but everything that goes along with that. She’s beautiful either way but if she was my baby, I think I would be trying to keep her in the green stripes. At least when she steps outside the house anyway.
Well, just so you know, my sister and I are 30 years older than your girls, and I can so see that scenario playing out with the two of us during the family picture taking. I promise you, some things just do not change between sisters.
Lex:
You have a lovely family. I’ll echo all of the other comments as well.
Ain’t sibling rivalry great?
What everyone else said. Oh yeah, and it’s not just sisters Lex – it’s girls in general. Especially older girls to younger girls…some things are ever the same.
Great looking family Lex. My wife and I are expecting our first in May, so any words of wisdom would be helpful. I don’t believe in ignoring the lessons of those before me.
Therapist: Mine was born October first. I’m still learning the ropes, but will offer advice.
1) relatives show up immediately offering to help out. Make use of that. A list of chores helps. They do not get to see the baby until they have cleaned the bathrooms, washed your car, done the dishes, or folded the wash. Slackers get sent home.
2) I’ve been on-call with a pager at my side for 10 years, and I’ve not been this tired since basic training. Pace yourself and allow your mate some rest. A baby is a two-person task. I get by normally on between 4 and 6 hours per night. If you cannot, you will need to trade shifts.
3) we’ve been procreating for quite a few years, and ours is not the first time it’s happened. Invite the mother or mother-in-law over for a week or so. Your life will benefit as you learn from her wisdom. If you’re lucky, she’ll also help with the household chores.
4) guys do not have useful hormones. You’re going to see this little baby and feel an obligation but it’s going to take time for you to bond with it. Your wife will do so immediately. Dirty diapers won’t smell good to you, but to Mom it means a healthy baby. You’re going to be paying hospital bills and haggling with insurance, your wife won’t read her mail for weeks because the child is her only concern. She has post-natal depression, we’re wondering if it’s OK to watch the Packers game in the nursery. Realize you and your wife are different, and we have different tasks. Fill in to help her. Wash the breast-pumping supplies, clean the bathroom, gather the groceries, learn to cook a bit. She’s been an uncomfortable incubator for 9 months, and is now the source of nourishment for your recombinant DNA. The least you can do is make her life a little easier.
Besides which, if you want another child, you have to convince her to suffer the inconvenience again.
I’m an engineer, which means I solve problems and I look at everything as a problem to solve. This was how I solved the problem. You’re a Therapist, which means… OK, I don’t know what it means. No clue.
You’ll find your own way, and my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it so take that into account when you make your decisions. You’ll do just fine on your own regardless, so don’t be afraid to ignore us in the peanut gallery.
Oh, you’re suddenly going to feel qualified to offer advice to others who are having babies. It is useless to resist this urge. You *will* be assimilated.
– Max
LOL
Great advice, Max!
Beautiful gang of Neptunuses.
Having them all together in one place: priceless.