Yearly Portraits at Conestoga House and Gardens

Every year I try to have a photo session with the kids since I don't go anywhere for portraits.  My favorite spot for this casual photo shoot (ie: I click away while they roam) is a local gem, Conestoga House and Gardens. 



They are only open one day a week, have very restricted hours, and finding a Wednesday evening that we're free is slim pickings.  However, last night was the last chance we would have before they close for the season, so off we went.  (It was Pete's first time there and he had a very important job--to keep Adam out of the water hazards fountains, pool, koi pond.)

It was evident that the kids were tired and not in the mood.  Wouldn't you say?
(Note to self: avoid picture taking during the first week back to school.)

Anytime I asked if they could stand or sit in a particular place or smell this or that flower, they balked and gave me one of these:

Adam's tactic was to run.  Just run.  And the boy is quick.

(By the way, the place has a carry in, carry out policy...we brought our own flowers.)

So, I left them alone, and managed to get a few shots I could work with.  They didn't have to be contest winners.  Just one or two snapshots of who they are at this age.

And because I promised Natalia she could use my camera (with assistance) to take a few pictures when we were finished, here is her favorite shot of the night.  The horse.  That should be no surprise!  :-)

What truly made the evening was running into some friends from college and my Y.E.S. training, as well as two families from our church!  Shout out to the Planks and the Howells!  :-)  The kids had a blast playing hide and seek as the sun set.