Christmas Bloopers

Christmas Eve at my parents' house is both a Christmas celebration and a birthday bash for my Mom. Since the first grandchild was born in 1982, we've been taking the annual snapshot of Grandma and the grandkids.

My brother had the right idea. Instead of trying to capture the moment with a still camera, he was shooting video. I think there were eight cameras in the room. From seeing what the other people have posted on Facebook, I don't think anybody got the perfect posed photo of four great-grandchildren under the age of 2 1/2.

This cast of characters was in perpetual motion. Well, I think maybe Benson sat still. The 3-month-old didn't even get upset when 20-month-old Neelly got right up in his face. 

Neelly is going to have a little brother or sister next month. Do you think that her Mommy will have lots of help? I do. She will be glad to make sure the baby has all its eyes, ears and other important features and do a careful examination of said parts.

Kinley, almost 1 year, wasn't sure what to think about the whole process. And Braden, at 2 years and 4 months, was glad to help us sing the Happy Birthday song.

This is the best one I got. Sad, but true, right?

The seven grandchildren were better behaved. Of course, they've had lots of practice. And it's taken awhile for them to perfect the annual photo.

1994 - The first year with all seven grandchildren

My Mom has had a little practice with posing for her Christmas Eve birthday photo, too. Didn't she do a good job?

Our annual Christmas Eve birthday shot isn't going to make it onto a photo website, showing the "how-to" to create the perfect holiday photo. It's not about photography's Rule of 1/3s or perfect lighting. It's about family - all the imperfections and all the messiness. There's a lot of beauty in that - if you just know where to look.