Day #13 Wind vs. the Family Picture

Today was another fun-filled day. Complete with everything from cousin play time, wiggle cars, scooters, yummy food, old barns, family photo shoots, and WIND. Picture-wise, this will be the most boring post known to man. I am not a huge fan of the wind, so I spent most of my day inside; snuggling up with my newest nephew; Parker, and chatting with my mom and sisters. It was a good day. As always, getting out of the house took longer than I anticipated, but there was still plenty of time to play before assembling for our family picture. At some point, I will have to post pictures of all the obstacles we over came to even attempt a family picture that day. This was no ordinary picture. It was an extended family picture made even more unique and special because this picture was to contain 23 children under the age of 12, yep...you read that right; 23. To make things more interesting we decided to take this picture in the loft of a 120 year old barn. It was a beautiful backdrop, and we were intent on getting some shots; despite the ridiculous high winds that decided to kick up all weekend long. Getting us all up into that loft was reminiscent of a scene from Goonies or National Treasure where the characters are carefully winding their way over and through obstacles while floor boards are creaking and cracking around them. There was an old ladder, leaned against a wall that led to the second story loft. Then some rafters to step through to get to the loft platform that lacked any sort of a railing or wall; it was just wide open to the drop off below. "Stand still" "Watch that drop-off" and "Stay on the cross-beams" we the most commonly heard phrases as we all assembled. Most would have called it off. We persevered. It probably seemed a little nuts to anyone on the outside looking in. Many would have just nixed the whole thing. But you see, this was important to us. My sister and her family were visiting from out of state, and there were 3 new grand babies to be pictured for the first time with the ever-expanding clan. So, we all worked together and put in our best effort to make the most of it! That is what family is all about, right? After several shots we carefully wended our way back down the ladder, breathed a sigh of relief as the last person exited the barn safely, and headed back to the folks for food. We'd all worked up a pretty good appetite, and everybody ate well; and slept good that night! :) As I mentioned, the newest addition to our family was present and his sweet momma was willing to share him with us all day. My oldest was the most anxious to hold him; and we snapped some pretty precious shots of them together. I may not have gotten enough photographic evidence of all our fun that day, but the pictures I got of that pair were good enough for me. So, here is the oldest Page grandchild, holding the youngest one....

E and P 

Love P's face here! E, 151 months; P, 2 months
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Boy...how you fill my heart with joy!

That boy always has been the best "oldest child". The Lord knew just what He was doing when He sent him first to our home. What a spectacular Saturday! Yay for family time with cousins and grandparents!