The Trouble with Christmas Pictures

Paul and I thought we'd taken the perfect family photo a few weeks back during a walk through Teddy Roosevelt Island. When we got home and uploaded onto our computer we were bummed to discover that it wasn't nearly as brilliant as we'd thought it would be. In fact...it was down right bad. Blurry faces, harsh shadows, squinty eyes, messy hair and of course, runny noses...that's how'd I'd characterize our "perfect family photo."

So began an ongoing debate about whether or not we really needed a Christmas photo in the cards I'd planned to send out. I said yes, absolutely, without a doubt. Paul disagreed. We procrastinated and then I realized that I had to get my cards out soon if they were for sure going to make it to every destination before Christmas. So, I took matters into my own hands and decided on sending out a picture of just the girls.

Easy enough...so I thought.

I decked the girls out in their new Christmas outfits (clearance at Gymboree!...thanks again Katie!) and set out to pose them in front of our tree. I thought it would be simple, quick, a breeze. I was wrong...on so many levels.

Izzy started throwing a tantrum...I don't know why. Eva wouldn't look at the camera.

Eva finally looked at me but refused to smile. Izzy was still screaming. I still don't know why.

I tried standing them up. Izzy calmed down. Eva started crying. I have no idea why.

Then Eva got really upset. This caused Izzy to get really upset. No stinkin' clue as to why.

Maybe it's because their mother was taking pictures of them while they were doing their ugly cry.

And this is what I ended up with...

But don't expect to see it in your Christmas card. Oh no. I sent them to Walmart to be printed and when I went to pick them up this morning, they looked horrible. Pixely. Bad.

So, my Christmas cards went out sans Christmas picture. But, it's certainly not for lack of trying...just for the record.