August 4

Since it feels like time is accelerating and my children are growing up way too quickly these days, I decided that I wanted to take sibling photos again. The last time we did it was almost exactly two years ago and the boys start school this Thursday, so they humored me and we made it happen this morning.

I gave them the same directions I provided two years ago --wear whatever you want, bonus points for making the look representative of who you are right now-- and was surprised to find that they'd actually managed to coordinate their outfits. I wasn't expecting the country flair, but it worked. And, to a degree, it's fairly accurate given the boys' appreciation of Morgan Wallen and Abby's playlist, which includes a handful of country songs.

This particular image will be made into a huge canvas that will grace one of our walls. It wasn't the kids' favorite of the bunch, but there's just something about it that I love. Ironically, it may be that they all look so grown up, but I'm not sure. I just know that it appeals to me.

It was, all in all, fun to be out with them. They were cheerful and compliant and seemed to genuinely enjoy doing something together. They goofed around and cracked jokes to try to make each other laugh. And it worked, so many of the photos look genuine because they are.

It was a blessing to share such sweet moments with them.