3 reasons Chris teaches: June, July and August.

The following are some of my favorite photos from Summer 2012. 

More than a few pictures have been run through the 'Instagram' app, but I can't help it..

....I love they way they look:

A sunset cruise on The Lake.

Christian, after watching a baseball game, dunking his hot head in a cooler full of ice water. 

Chris and his mom after lunch. I love the mustache.

No, really! I do:

I think I should entitle this portrait: "American Badass"

A fun, festive, family photo of Betty, Layla and me. Clearly we're ready for a great weekend! 

On our way to the lake in Andrew's jeep.

Amber and I at Jordan's Birthday party. 

Johnny and Chris having an intense back porch conversation. 

You would actually be surprised to know what they were talking about at this moment.

Andrew looking like a big kid.....cut your hair already, dude!

Jana taking her role as an "Apples to Apples" judge VERY seriously.

Chris and I lounging in the Dominican Republic.

And finally, a picture that tells me I'm old and summer is officially over, all in one:

dropping Andrew off in his dorms for his first year of college. 

Bring on Fall!

Herding cats.....

I have always said that getting my family to move in one direction while in a group, or pose for a picture at the same time, is like herding cats. Everyone knows what the ultimate end goal is, but they will achieve it when they're ready or have nothing else catching their attention. As the bossy eldest, who likes when things are going according to MY plan, it can be extremely frustrating and annoying.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about so you can commiserate with me! I'm sitting at a table in the airport between my mom and dad. All I want is a simple picture of Chris, Andrew and Christian sitting across from me. The following attempt at cat herding is what occurred:

Ok! Hey guys, let me take a picture really quick!  

Chris you weren't ready, that's ok! Lean in there- I promise it will be real quick!

 

No! Dad! Don't talk to them, I just want a quick picture!

Well this is ok, but if you could just put your hand down REALLY quick Christian that would be great! You don't even have to smile! Just- NO MOM! Don't talk and distract them or else....

Aaaaand I've lost them.

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I don't even know why I compare my family to herding cats, because I seriously doubt I could get them to do this:

 

OR THIS:

 

AND ESPECIALLY THIS:

 

Most Photogenic?

When I was a senior in High School the student's voted on 'Senior Personalities,' Chris won most athletic but I was voted most photogenic:

When I see a picture of myself all I see are teeth, but I've done my best to uphold the most photogenic honor bestowed upon me, and smile for the camera with all my heart:

Senior Picture

My best friend Jana, and me, at one of the most outrageous parties I've ever been to.

My best friend Lesley, and me, at the Phantom of the Opera.

 Us at a wedding. 

My dear, kindred Spirit, Mackenzie, on Cinco De Mayo. 

(See what I mean about the teeth?)

I've never been a person who doesn't like her picture taken. If there is a camera being taken out of pocket or a purse, I am posed with smile on my face and a hand on my hip saying: "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Deville!"....and this is why I'm baffled......

Remember how I had to re-new my passport because of my new last name? When you need a new passport you need a new picture. When you need a new picture you go to Walgreens. When you go to Walgreens there is a VERY crabby lady who doesn't count to three before the picture. When she doesn't count to three, you get a passport picture that looks like this: 

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Oh you don't believe this is my real actual passport photo? I didn't either. Surely the Government wouldn't do this to me?

Well, I DID get my passport this morning (HUZZAH!) and it was confirmed: 

So much for most photogenic......

No Talk Thursday....

I am designating this Thursday as a "No Talk Thursday" because it's pictures of Andrew and his teammates at their "Senior Day" for baseball, and I don't know if I'm emotionally available to talk about the fact my baby brother graduates tomorrow! So without further ado:

No talking Thursday....

Today is no talking Thursday in my world. We've been unbelievably, super stressed at the Taylor household. When this happens sometimes I like to sit back, relax and look at pictures that make me happy while listening to Bob Marley and dreaming of the lake..... So without any further ado (or words) here are some pictures for you to enjoy with me (feel free to try and figure out what the hell is going on in some of them):

HAPPY THURSDAY!!

P.S. It's ALMOST Friday....keep the faith!