Our Love/Hate Tradition

Every summer without fail, since 1997, our family has taken an old fashioned picture of the kids at the county fair. I am the first to admit that we no longer look forward to the month of August because of this tradition, but I am so thankful we have stuck with it year after year. Yes, it has progressively turned into a huge deal with coordinating work schedules, commute times, and summer school schedules, and I find myself turning into a cheerleader and a professional marketing guru around mid-July, but I am determined to continue. Determined.

Some years were more difficult than the others–like the year our oldest had neck fusion surgery and we had to hide his neck brace with a colorful scarf (see 2007), or the year our youngest (Jeremy), diagnosed with Autism, decided to scream through the whole picture-taking process (see 2012). Boy, that was fun. But we have continued with this love/hate tradition and plan on continuing as our family continues to grow. One day, guaranteed, they will thank me. One day.

Click through the pics below and decide for yourself if this is something you'd like for your family. Comes with fair warnings (honestly, no pun intended). But also comes with memories that will last a lifetime. ❤️❤️❤️