Not Because We Didn't Try

Time again for the annual Christmas card picture. In addition to our usual challenges of total disinterest, last minute timing, and not being the most photogenic family in the world, this year we were also working without the benefit of the gorillapod. No problem--we'll just hold the camera and take it ourselves. Let's stand here in front of the Christmas tree.
Goob: Here, I'll do it. My arms are the longest. Not quite. Let the STP try it.
STP: Smile!

Let's try and get everyone in the picture. One more time.

Goob: Rolls eyes

STP: Smile!

Even though the STP was concentrating so hard on getting everyone in the picture that he forgot to smile himself, the STP and the Goob consider this a great success. As they prepare to leave the room...

Me: I'd prefer that we not all look like geeks and convicts in the Christmas picture. (It's not really what you say--it's how you say it.)
Maybe if we were further away we would look better. Let's set the camera across the room and use the timer.

Oh, we are getting so close. Let's kneel down. Maybe all of our heads will be in the picture and the tree will look taller. Ingenious.

Now as soon as we write the annual Christmas letter, we will be getting this in the mail to you.