Ruby Falls

While the boys were at the National Forest, the girls headed to the Ruby Falls.

Joyce Kilmer National Forest

On Friday night my Grandaddy, Aunt Gayla, Uncle Russel, Dad, and Mom, Nate and I went to the 

Alison Krauss Concert.

It was awesome.

On Saturday the boys headed out to the Joyce Kilmer National Forest

I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree. Joyce Kilmer

How to Take Pics of Bethany

If you want to get a good pic of the screamer, the third child, the sweet one...

I suggest that you not ask her directly for a pic.

Instead, begin to take pictures of Dixie

Like this.

Really get into the picture session too--

camera angles, talking to Dixie and asking her to smile

and try not to even notice when the youngest comes sliding down the bricks

Then she might say something like, What if I stand next to Dixie and you take our picture?

Act a bit surprised and thoughtful and say, Yes, that's a great idea!

She might even forget about the camera for a minute or two and play with her sweet Dixie.

And then, only then will she comfortably let you snap some pics.

Making a face or two for the camera...

You might even get a good smile

A smile worth playing around with a bit

or a classic dramatic pose.

Definitely, definitely, do not say to your youngest, your screamer, your dramatic one:

Oh, I love that dress and boots and hat,

Can I please take your picture?

Never.