we're nothing, if not entertainment for the felines

 So here we are, in the backyard yesterday after church trying to get a family picture for the annual Christmas card.

The cats sat mesmerized by it all. 

First there was the outfit debate:  stay in church clothes or change into what's comfortable?

I figured if they were willing to gather for pictures, let them wear what they want.

Then there was the daughter with a 102 degree fever, who had to be dragged from her sick bed.

Also, the daughter who changed clothes three times, and ran out at the last minute in bare feet because we were all waiting.

And the college student, on the cusp of being returned to his dorm, who couldn't resist the opportunity to pester and tease his sisters throughout the photo shoot.  Most likely as his parting gift to us all.  Nothing says love like badgering your siblings at a photo shoot. 

And me.  Fighting the timer so that I could jump in the shots.

(Dear Santa: I wouldn't mind a remote in my stocking)

I'm telling you.  It was a challenge.

HERE are the fruits of our labors:

 You like this one?

Can you get past the knee-biting?

Well how about the fact that at the last second, Enrique pushed his sister completely out of the frame?

 And then here? 

She leans over for retribution and he ducks out of view.

Here's the one we just may send out.

It captures the family spirit PERFECTLY.

Oh, the fantastic perks of big families.