First of all, the chair.
Gotta know what you think of the chair. This idea of carrying an old orange chair into the woods to use in the photo shoot was a stretch for four out of the five people involved. Especially when a man walked by with his dog, saw those four sitting in and around the chair, and said that he'd never seen an easy chair in the woods, "Until this very day."
That's just it, you never know what you're gonna see when you take a walk in the woods in Wyoming!
Some things may surprise you.
Well, let's get to it, shall we? Off to the voting!
Here, in completely random order, are the finalists for the 2009 Holiday Card Photo (you may click on each photo to see it larger):
Photo # 1
Photo # 2
Photo # 3
Photo # 4
Photo # 5
Oh, I can't wait to see what you decide!
Now, if you've been reading this blog for a while (I know there are lots of you out there!), and you've never left a comment before, it's so easy. Just scroll down to the footer at the bottom of this post, and click on the word, 'comments'. You will be directed to a place where you can leave your thoughts and your choice for the winner. I will be taking votes through next Monday, November 9.
Which one will it be?
First of all--I LOVE the orange chair!
I have to say that #5 is my favorite. The boys' expressions are priceless. The layout is very nice. What you lose in not being able to clearly see all the faces, you more than make up for with loads of personality (especially the little guy's tongue).
#4 would be my second choice for the same reasons--it doesn't seem overly posed and everyone looks like they're having a great time.
The first three are nice photos (and you are gorgeous!), but they look more like Mama's idea that the guys are reluctantly going along with.
Posted by: Lydia | November 03, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Hmmm...
kind of like #2 because those are the faces that I recognize
but #4 is good because it captures the moment well - and those are always my personal favorites
then again - I have to agree with Lydia that #5 is a perfect picture of who you all are
glad I could be so decisive and helpful on this one! btw - I like the straight hair, something new and fun too!
Love ya!
Posted by: Beth | November 03, 2009 at 02:51 PM
So...what if we all give you different preferences? Oh my! Which one! I loved them all! I think I have to go with #5 though. There's just something about the 'almost kiss'. And those three little boys peaking...so cute! Great job!
Posted by: Sonesta | November 03, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Hi Carmella.. I love the pictures and the imagination that packed a chair into the woods!! So cute okay now pick a favorite..that's hard but would have to say I love #5 because of the pure joy shown in all of you..#1 is good of everyone although Jared is kind of sober, but I also love the mood in #4. Beautiful family..Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Peggy | November 03, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Oh Carmella, they are all wonderful. My favorite is number 5. Janice
Posted by: Janice Ridgeway | November 03, 2009 at 04:45 PM
I love #5! #2 is my second choice. Love the chair and love your hair!!!! Happy picking!
Posted by: Wendy | November 03, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Told you it was an IMPOSSIBLE task--they are all good! That said, #4 or #5 are my favs...and you know how I feel about the chair :)
Posted by: Maureen Heimbaugh | November 03, 2009 at 06:54 PM
My favorite from the start is #4. It seems like a completely candid moment~ like the littlest man just told a joke that has everyone in stitches! And I absolutely love how you're looking at each other! He won't be little for much longer (I'm sure he considers himself big now!) and it just seems like one of those priceless heart moments.
Just my thoughts!!! You're all GORGEOUS and I agree~ awesome hair! No humidity is wonderful for you (as I sit here, frizzed out hair, sweating to death in hot FL!!!!)
Posted by: Jenn | November 04, 2009 at 04:40 AM
I think they all look great! Love the Chair. It's new right?? First of all I love, love, love your hair. Especially in the Picture of just you and your hubby from your first post about the pic's.
I think my favorites are #'s 2,4 & 5. But to narrow it down from there I would have to say #4. Not often that you catch moments like that, and it has a little of everyone's personality showing.
Posted by: Miranda | November 04, 2009 at 06:32 AM
They are all great photos! Well done!! I think my fav is #4. Love the personality in it.
Posted by: Sarah McCafferty | November 04, 2009 at 01:08 PM
#4 has my vote !!
Posted by: Sharon Rogerson | November 04, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Dear Carmella,
#2 and #4 have our vote!!! So sweet!! All of them are cute!! Great idea with the easy chair in the woods! So unique.
Love,
Denise and Family
Posted by: Denise Mendocha | November 05, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Ok! I just love #5, and #4 is a close second, Myesha just popped over and she likes #2. I've got to say that the chair in the woods is a very unique and great idea.
I'll have to think of something creative for our family pics.
Posted by: Sharon | November 06, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Great job, Sweetie! They all are wonderful. My choice would be #1 with #5 superimposed at the bottom...catches the professional and the spontaneous. Love them all and YOUALL!
Dad
Posted by: Dad | November 08, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Oh,Yah...NICE HAIR!!
Dad
Posted by: Dad | November 08, 2009 at 10:33 AM
hello! i'm late responding, so not sure if this will make it in time....
i just LOVE the candid feel!
as i scrolled down, i loved 2, 4 and then 5!
i can't "officially" choose just yet. they each have something so fun about them. however, i might be leaning more toward 5 because it is just so classic with the boys' "icky" faces! :)
any way you go, you will have a precious glimpse of your family this year!
ps- now i realize i'd better get moving on MINE! :)
susan
Posted by: Susan | November 10, 2009 at 09:52 AM