Taking family pictures with young kids is sort of like running across a bed of hot coals..barefoot. I (robin) would almost prefer being stabbed in the eye. And for that very reason, we only do it every two years or so.
First of all, we have 2 young boys that want to run around and never smile on cue. Then, we have a daughter with special needs who is unable to sit up on her own. She has a tremendous smile that honestly is better than any of the other family members, but the only way to get her to smile on cue like that is to play a certain Toby Mac song at just the right time. It takes a photographer with some serious patience.
We put it off…forever. Finally, Erica says, “If we don’t get a family picture taken, I’m leaving the family.” Just kidding, she doesn’t take it that seriously, but she does desperately feel pressured to fit in with all the other people that send these awesome “family picture Christmas cards” each year. Our pantry door is covered every December with all our amazing friends and their beautiful families.
The 2013 Christmas Door!
We feel like complete losers because we barely have enough energy to go grocery shopping much less gather the troops for a family picture.
Who could we get to take our pictures? Oh yeah, we don’t have any money budgeted for it. hhhmmm…put it off a few more months.
This year, we had an amazing college student from our church come to the rescue. Daena Alcantara is a photography major that felt called from God to help us with our family pictures.
Seriously, it took a word from God for our official family pictures to happen this year.
We finally got it all set up and decided on taking them in downtown San Marcos on the Texas State Campus. It was a great location!
By the time we took them and got them back, it was too late to get them on a card and mail them to everyone. Well, technically, we probably could have mailed them out, but then we would have started a tradition and people would have expected them every year. There is no way this is happening every year, so we didn’t want to create a dependency or high expectations from the Steele familia.
Daena really did a great job.
We crossed a threshold with Kennady this year. Up until now, Erica or I was able to hold her in our lap and make her look sort of normal. She is growing so tall that it is impossible to hold her and smile on cue at the same time. The next time we take pictures, she will have to sit in her wheelchair. Throughout our life with her, we have crossed these types of milestones and it takes a little out of us each time. The less normal things or “normal looking” things we have, the harder it is. However, after saying all that, one of my favorite pictures this year is the one of me and her (in her wheelchair).
Here you go, folks!
Our 2013 Family Pictures!
Enjoy them….PLEASE!
This is a great picture. We simply don’t know what happened to our oldest son. Did he fall in the pond?
These boys!
Pastor and Erica,
Each of the pics are beautiful in their own way, All smiles and fun. It was a blessing seeing how big the children are getting,
Thanks, Jackie! Yeah, each one has its own distinction and shows a bit of personality. Full of Life! Hope you are well!
I love the pics! I’ll print one out and add to our card wall :0)
HA, Elizabeth! Please do!
Your hearts can be seen in those smiles! Beautiful hearts and a beautiful family!
Thanks, Thomas! Crazy people for sure!
I love them all! I am planning the same, Elizabeth! Some need to be in frames. 🙂
Yes, she is headed for an amazing career I think.
Daena did an amazing job!
I love the pictures. Kenna smiling so big, thank you Jesus for this child. Avery growing and face changing. Jude getting taller, Erica your hair is beautiful love your long hair, love you,can’t help my self…;) and you are my favorite pastor…Pastor …
Wynnel, You are too funny! I can’t help myself loving Erica either. 🙂 Thank you so much the Christmas gift. You bring the light into my life. 🙂
love them all. made me laugh (out loud!)
Your beautiful family is on the pantry door. Did you see it??? Always raising the bar for family pics!
Love them all! I miss ya’ll so much! We took family pics too and we had so many attitudes, I just gave up. I must have been crazy to want a pic. LOL but, really y’all are so beautiful!
Oh, Teresa, we miss you guys too! I want see some of those pics you took. Happy New Year to you!
Amazing family pictures. They all touched my heart! Your family is such a blessing to me. I’m so glade God brought us together. My kids really love your kids. They seem to always have a fun time with eachother. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Terrestia! It is always fun to see your daughter in the school hallways. Your family (and even mom) are a joy to us all. We love you guys!
It won’t let me save any of these pictures to my phone. Therefore, I can’t print any. 🙁
Elizabeth, were you able to?