Once a year, I take about 45 minutes with my kids, and I become this biggest “Bribing Bartering Momma” you’ve ever seen. My mission: The Family Christmas Card Photo.

My first decision, nix the “family” dynamic of the photo. Way too hard to get the kids, Brian and I all looking “naturally good” in one shot. Maybe when they’re twelve we’ll try it again. But I don’t dare attempt this when I still have one under three.

Next move, I line up three different snacks for my bribes.

Bribe Number One: Cheerios. I start with the cheerios to loosen them up. Cheerios are familiar, relaxing, the sure thing. 🙂 I take a couple shots of them playing together while snacking on their cheerios as they get reacquainted with the camera.