A Photo Shoot

We got a new camera (the last one had multiple issues) and needed a picture for our Christmas letter so what better way to spend a lovely afternoon than taking pictures at Power Ranch -- right? Wrong! The kids were less than excited about dressing up. Direct quote from Brad: "What, Stripes!?! I look DUMB in stripes!". Direct quote from Carter: "Aaaaaaaaagggghhhhh" (said with emphasis). Several bribes and threats later here is what we came up with . . .  (As promised, all children who smiled for pictures received a McDonald's kids meal on the way home.)

Carter, Brad, Eve and Lydia

This shot was the winner and had the honor of being included in the 2009 Matheson Family Christmas letter.

Such obedient children -- the command was to sit up tall and smile for the camera.

We told them to act happy -- Brad was not amused.

Sweet Lydia

Brad and Carter wanted to try their hand at photography. Here is Eve, Lydia, Alex & Julie.

Brad took this shot of Mom & Carter

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Brad and Carter. Brad was much happier when he got to change out of the striped shirt Mom chose and into the striped shirt he chose