Just Awkward

Luke and I, at the urging of his parents, decided to get some family pictures taken before we head to Texas. JC Penney was doing this promotion where you don't have to pay sitting fees and you get a free 8 by 10 for family pictures. So I made an appointment and bought some purple skinny pants and tried to get some coordination going on and we headed to the portrait studio.

In today's world, everyone knows someone who is handy with a camera, willing - even eager - to snap a few pictures for you at little or no cost. Hence the general vibe of engagement, wedding, and family pictures has been more natural - generally outdoors, lots of candid shots, and plenty of options to choose from. My own wedding was done this way, and I was totally thrilled with it. Chad Keyes, who was more of a friend of a friend at the time, did such a perfect job.

AHHHH. Maybe that's why this contrived, drab, uncomfortable little photo shoot was and has since been the point of much groaning and laughter by Luke and myself. In the days following, Luke has only to say, "Remember those pictures?" and I just moan or laugh or pull them up on my computer for just one more painfully hilarious journey though each and every staged and strained image. I received an email today letting me know that the free 8 by 10 we ordered is available for pick-up. No thanks. Just...no.

If you want to see for yourself, I'll email you an invite to the exclusive viewing club. For the rest of you, I am getting Chad to take new and improved family pictures next week, and I have high hopes. He is the best.

Other news: The movers are coming in 19 days and we are officially leaving this state in less than a month. Ivy hates her carseat more than you hate anything, but we are going to try to make a vacation out of the 4 day drive to San Antonio.

I bought my ticket to Spokane for Christmas. "For Christmas" is a general term, however, because to get the best price (and it was a great price) I had to book a flight that arrives December 18th and one that returns January 7th. I am going to be in Spokane for 3 weeks! A week after our move!

Now here's some pictures of Ivy/St. Ives/Crazy Ivan.

 She loves garbage cans. I feel like she loves anything that is not a toy.

 Halloween! (and, let's be honest, she's going to wear this on Christmas, too)

 This was shortly before she put the cat's ear in her mouth.

Luke wearing his dad's old suit, Ivy being a cookie, and me carrying around a rolling pin for like 5 minutes before I decided that my half-hearted attempt at being a baker was just not worth it.