On Thanksgiving morning after we had loaded up our van with suitcases, video game systems, pumpkin bars, fruit salad, and a veggie tray, I realized we all were wearing similar colors. What were the chances? I announced that we needed to take a picture -- or at least try!
Chris has longer arms than I do, so he held the phone. He was already caffeinated and energized for the day. Isaac was less than thrilled because he wanted to "go in the car," but he was cornered in the kitchen. The photoshoot lasted about 30 seconds, which was 15 seconds too long. Henry smiled because he was wearing his favorite New York Giants jersey with number 13 on the front, which corresponds to his age. Noah didn't quite get into the picture completely, but no worries: in real life he has a right ear and shoulder. I was crouching a bit in the back row, trying to smile a little even though it was morning and I had no idea where to look for the photo. With Henry's help, Chris took a handful of pictures, and this one was the best.
It's been several years since we've hired a professional to take our family photo. We might try next year. It sounds stressful. For now our best pictures are ones I have taken at Target where there's good lighting and Isaac is happy.
I'm grateful that even during the most challenging times, we keep smiling.
Once again it's time for our annual holiday quiz . . .
1. Where did our family go this year?
a) Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa
b) Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville, Iowa
c) San Diego, California
d) All of the above
2. What highs/lows did we experience this year?
a) Tyann’s mom died in February
b) Love and concern from friends and family
c) Uncommon Sense, a play about autism, debuted and we recognized our family's story in a scene. (We had been interviewed by the amazing playwrights.) The show ran for five weeks this fall in New York City.
d) All of the above
3. What were Isaac’s 2017 highlights?
a) Enjoyed watching high school football at the UNI-Dome
b) Listened to K98.5 FM 24/7 while bowling perfect games on the Wii
c) Went to Camp Courageous & told Noah to wear jeans 698 times/day
d) All of the above
4. What did Noah do during the past year?
a) Sang bass at All-State Choir in Ames
b) Traveled to Boston & New York City with his high school choir during Winter Storm Stella
c) Had the third fastest time on a Mario Kart race track in North America
d) All of the above
5. What did Chris do during 2017?
a) Saw Foo Fighters in concert
b) Celebrated the 10th anniversary of his company, Far Reach
c) Declared war on the squirrels
d) All of the above
6. What were Tyann’s highlights this year?
a) Cared for her mom, planned a funeral, buried both parents, sorted through items, sold a house, prepared for two auctions, and settled the estate
b) Attended a Chris Stapleton concert
c) Began drinking La Croix sparkling water even though hard liquor might have been a better choice
d) All of the above
7. What did Henry do this year?
a) Played the role of The Wizard in Sturgis Youth Theatre’s The Wizard of Oz
b) Dabbed & enjoyed jr high (7th grade)
c) Created art with Google Drawings
d) All of the above
8. What do we predict for 2018?
a) Tyann will freak out when Noah becomes a high school senior
b) Chris will buy tickets to AlienCon
c) We’ll celebrate 19 years of marital bliss by eating dinner at Culver’s
d) All of the above
Answer to all questions: d