Somehow I managed the impossible. I got all six of my children in one place at the same time and most of them were clean. It's amazing what they can do when sufficiently motivated. I am pleased to say it does not take bribery to motivate them but they generally respond to a request from a family member for help. This time it was a desire to take portraits to surprise their dad for Christmas. The portrait part we managed; the surprise part, not so much. I failed to make the point to Auburn that it was to be a secret. In my defense how was I supposed to know she had suddenly decided to talk to grown ups? We went down to Blue Hole and had a wonderful time. The monarchs are migrating through and the trees were alive with fluttering wings. Rowan tested the water solubility of his leather shoes and Willow experimented with natural dies on her white dress. Orion dangled precariously from a tree and Rheannon threatened to flitter off with the butterflies. Cailyn and Auburn managed to keep everybody roped in and together took some very nice photos- Orion probably won the prize though because he photographed Auburn and not only got her to smile but actually laugh. (not that Auburn is a sour person, she's charming, delightful, and even silly- but also 16 so those qualities are reserved for non family members).
All in all it was a wonderfully priceless day and I am glad to have the photos to prove it.
