picture day...

monday was finally the day of our much anticipated photo shoot with the talented dale benfield! he is lives in NWA, but is from joplin and was going to be in town this week. i had booked this date about 3 weeks prior after randomly coming in contact with him and obsessed about it for many days. i know i drove my sister and friend, sarah, crazy with texts and pictures concerning our outfits and my accessories! i told myself going into the shoot to not have high expectations and just enjoy our time. i think i did ok. if none of them turn out, we'll forever be reminded of how difficult this stage was to get all 3 kiddos to look at the camera AND smile :)

this gorgeous evening was orchestrated by the very hand of god. 10 days out the weather showed sunny and 47. over the next 10 days the temperature gradually climbed. by sunday afternoon, it showed  a high of 58 and winds at 15-25mph...no bueno for mama's hair, but somewhat comfortable! we woke to a beautiful morning that i was so thankful for. by 2pm, i checked my weather app and was shocked to see that it was 67 out. when we met dale at 5, it was 65 with a wind less than 5mph! i forgot to mention that the sky was full of big, white, puffy clouds that are perfect for pictures. see?!?! god's hand all over it! i seriously teared up at the thought that god had heard all my petty pleas for a beautiful day in light of the grand scheme of things. he's so much bigger than the forecast. duh, right?! and the next day? freezing and windy!

after our shoot, we ran by the magic noodle for dinner. we may or may not had bribed the boys all day and during the shoot that if they had behaved, we could have ice cream at their favorite place in town! lane's grandparents had sent money labeled for ice cream...thanks for thinking of our crew, grammie and poppa :)

and in case you're wondering what your house looks like when you're ironing for 5 people and trying to get yourself ready, canon took a photo that i found later!

we made some really great memories that evening in front of the camera and behind it! we CAN'T wait  to see the final results of the photots! i would really just love a great family shot...and brother shot...and one of me and lane...and maybe some individuals of the boys...maybe they'll all turn out!!