Family Photos + Merry Christmas to YOU!

On a windy, brisk Saturday this past November we decided to try for some family photos.   The last picture with all five of us in it was taken for Emmitt's birth announcements over a year ago!  We weren't too sure how it would all go down with Adam and I attempting to wrangle three busy boys going in three different directions, but I went into our little photo shoot without any huge expectations.  If we got a few good ones, awesome, if not, we would try again another time.  Along with my handsome crew, I brought along my stash of photog equipment (my Canon 7D, 50mm lens, tripod and my trusty wireless shutter remote, for those that are curious).  I also packed some tasty treats and a few props.  A couple stowaway Nerf guns even made their way into the mix.  We started downtown with fun stone walls and an iron stairway, and wrapped things up back at the same park where I took some pictures of our Noah a couple months ago.  It helped to keep things light and fun (enter Nerf guns).  We let the boys try their hand at taking a few shots, made LOTS of silly faces and moved quickly.  Thankfully, it all worked out fairly well and we got some sweet, real life moments captured.  Mission accomplished!  There is so much going on in each photo--lots of personality from my three little men showing through.  I loved just clicking away and catching it all as it played out.  They're not all perfect, but they are so US.  I have had the pleasure of taking some wonderful families' photos over the past few months (and even of a few squishy newborn babes as well--eek!).  Being in front of the camera with my little fam was certainly a different experience.  Comfortable, chaotic bliss. :)

 So in love with these four guys . . .

   What self-shot family photo sesh would be complete without some humorous [sometimes blurry] outtakes?

 Oh yes.  Our sweet Emmitt looks like he is going into battle with Mel Gibson, Braveheart style.
(My hubby assured me that people would get the Braveheart-esque quote referenced in the photo above, but I'm thinking he meant guy people).
Either way, I can't look at that picture with a straight face.  While it appears he is less than smitten with the camera in front of him, Emmitt was actually really excited and kept pointing towards it yelling, "See!" and "This!" (two words we hear all day long from our curious little prince).  Good times, I tell you.  The outtakes alone were enough to make my day.

 . . .

This is how they all came together for our Christmas card this year . . .

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2012.
Peace + LOVE to you from the Miller Family!

"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
-Luke 2:9-12