During one of my many trips to Target I saw fun Saint Patrick's Day glasses in the Dollar Section (yup, I get off-course as soon as I walk in the store. A thorough browse of the dollar section and I'm almost guaranteed to forget what I came in for). I have a problem with buying coffee mugs and apparently it's expanding to other forms of drinkware as well!
So this past Sunday I told my stepsons, Mason and Logan, I would make them milkshakes with mint chocolate-chip ice cream because Saint Patrick's Day was coming. They were thrilled! I explained that in order for them to get the shakes they had to get out of their usual athletic wear and let me take pictures of them enjoying their drinks. I am not above bribery when it comes to photos.
Now normally any time I ask Logan to wear something for pictures we have an issue. He says his shirt is too small, his pants are too long, the sleeves are itchy, the shoes aren't comfortable and he can't run fast in them.. the list goes on and on. I mentally prepare for this. But on this day the lure of the milkshake was so strong that Logan didn't waste anytime complaining or trying to get me to change his wardrobe. I will have to remember this for next time.
Our little session started as they typically do. The boys were calm and quiet.
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To get the real smiles and giggles flowing I asked them if they wanted to play with the photo props I had picked up.
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And then it was game over. Complete silliness ensued.
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Sometimes it's hard for me to keep shooting because laughter is contagious and I just want to laugh with them.
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Then the boys took over as the shoot directors. I love when this happens. "Okay Rachel, get one more picture with props but it will be a serious one." Everything in boy world is about being tough. Even with goofy props, you have to look like a superhero who could handle bad guys if needed.
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Those images were so important to them that they requested to look at my camera to make sure I got the shots right. Because God forbid I messed up the serious pictures of my two goofballs.
Logan then decided he had enough of the props; it was time for mustaches only.
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All their laughter meant things were heating up. They asked if we could go outside for some fresh air. I'm pretty sure this is where I completely lost control.
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In this final image Mason is trying to pull down Logan's pants and Logan almost lost his balance in the process. When the kids are in danger of falling down and getting hurt I know it's time to wrap it up.
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I told the boys we were done taking pictures and thanked them for cooperating. Immediately Logan asked "Can I put my sweatpants back on now?" Yes Logan. The inhumanity and torture that is khakis is over.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day! Cheers!
