Family pics

The last time we got "real" family pictures taken, Jarred was 1. Isn't that sad? Poor Ella had never been in one. We attempted to take some ourselves when Ella was a baby and well, let's just say they didn't turn out like I hoped they would. 

See?

But, I thought this one turned out great. At least everyone is looking at the camera. And, Jarred doesn't look like...well, I'm not really sure how to describe how Jarred looked in the other one! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the old one, but it will be nice to print this new one and not laugh every time I look at it. Besides, look at how much Ella has grown. Yep, it was definitely time for a new pic.

I love these kids!! 

So pretty!! I have always loved her eyes. Since the day she opened her eyes for the first time, I have been amazed by them. All her emotions come out through her eyes. Just by looking at them you can tell what type of mood she is in. Sometimes it is obvious (like when she rolls them to show that she is annoyed with me) but sometimes you have to look a little deeper. I have seen joy in those eyes, I have seen love in those eyes, I have seen anger in those eyes, and I have seen sadness in those eyes. 

This little dude is my favorite little dude in the whole world. His mind amazes me. He says he wants to be a scientist when he grows up and I have no doubt that he will be. He is always experimenting and creating new things out of nothing. He has the biggest heart and gives the best hugs in the world. I can be in the worst mood and somehow he senses that I need a hug or an "I love you, mom". He can definitely be a handful but the good in him by far outweighs the bad.

This little princess (and when I say princess, I mean princess, just ask her) is an answered prayer, literally. I prayed for her for 2 years. But, of course, the Lord knew when it was time for her to come and he was right. Every once in awhile something will happen and it is like He is saying "See, this is why I made you wait". She has a way of reminding me that this life is supposed to be fun, not boring or miserable. Things that I used to get REALLY upset about don't seem so bad when she says (in her sweet little 3 year old voice) "It ok, we can fix it." or "hmmm...we better queen (clean) that up."  

 We also took a BIG family picture with my family. It has been about 5 years since we had one (1st time since we were kids for a professional one). 6 little ones were born within that 5 years so it was time for a new picture.  

Here's all the girls!

And all the boys! (as you can see, us girls definitely outnumber the boys!)