Annual Fall Photos...aka School Pictures!

Each year I eagerly await our fall photo session. I have been doing this since the girls were tiny, and I enjoy it so much. I grab the girls, fresh batteries in my cam, and head down the trail behind our house. It has to be the perfect day, late in fall..but not too late. Lots of gorgeous colors in the leaves, berries, etc. Not after the colors are faded and defeated looking. Sun peeking out from time to time, but not too much glare. Ya know, the perfect day. And day after day this month, all it did was rain. I was waiting and waiting, and knew my days were limited for getting the pictures I wanted.

Then one day, the rain stopped. For only 3 hours! And in those three hours I flew around like a maniac, trying to get outside while it was nice. I'm so happy the weather cooperated with me, if only for a short time. I'll take what I can get at this point!

So here are a few of my favorite shots from this year's photo shoot. Grandparents, take note and tell me your favorites! In fact, everyone please let me know your vote-getters for your favorite shots. Pick 3 for me: your favorite Strawberry Girl (Penelope) and your favorite Flower Girl (Chena) and your favorite of the two together. Thanks in advance!

Some of the pictures that just grab me are ones where they are just being silly, giggly girls. Sisters who adore each other most of the time. But who love to bug each other and get under each other's skin. Girls happy and fresh and energetic. Girls sick of the camera. Girls rolling their eyes at their fussy photographer-wanna-be mama. You get the idea!

I started with the barn as my background, for a few shots.

I like this shot of my pensive dreamer girl. She is always dreaming big dreams, and this look is one I see often.

I like using the hay for a background too. It adds some texture, but doesn't take too much away from the subject.

These are just a little bit down the trail, past the horse pasture.

and down by toward our lake...

She looks sooooo cute in that hat.

Chena was grinning at her sister. Love that sly look.

Yeah, Penelope is pretty enthused about the hugging... hee hee.

Have you noticed yet I have a thing for HATS?

Uh huh. Had to have a few of these moments.

Goofballs!

And this was the last shot of the day. It was after I told them they were done, and they had eaten their marshmallow pies (yes, of course a bribe!) and run around like wild indians. I stopped them on the trail back home and begged for just one more shot. And ya know, it just might be my favorite of all of them!