Family pics 2009

Okay folks, it's that time again. Time for me to show you what I'm thinking of for our family picture outfits and asking what your thoughts are. This year I'm thinking - fall colors. I want to embrace our last fall in VT and am using that as my inspiration for our colors. So here is what I have so far:

For the kiddies. I really like this dress for Josie. It has all the great fall colors I love plus a really cute fall print. The brown sweater over it isn't something I'm crazy about (I love the sweater but I don't really want to use it for pics - but I think she may be too cold if I don't). Noah is the orange shirt with the brown thermal layered under it and Clayton is the brown sweater with the diamonds. My worry is that Clayton's and Josie's outfits are too busy. I wanted Clayton to wear fall colors, but he already had this sweater and I don't want to buy new clothes if I can avoid it. The other thing he has that I was thinking of is an orange polo but that's what Noah's wearing (and that's all Noah's got) so it got axed for Clayton.

So what do you think? Does it work??

Okay, now on to me and Justin:
Justin's shirt is the one on top. I'd like him to wear some sort of a burgandy/red color but I'm not sure it goes. I really don't want him to wear brown because all the kids are wearing some brown somewhere and I'd like it if we could get away with not having everyone wear brown. My goal this year is to looks coordinated without looking matchy/matchy.
For me, I'm debating between two things. The first is the rust sweater with a green shirt underneath (although I could wear a white shirt under it if you think it would look better, but I think I'd rather not have anyone wearing white this year). I also thought about wearing a brown shirt under it, but as I said before - all the kids are wearing brown so I'd like to try to stay away from that if I can.
The second option for me is this green sweater. I'd probably wear a brown tank under it, but it'd only peek out a little so it wouldn't be too noticable. I love this sweater and this color but I wonder if it's too 'coming out of nowhere' for our colorscheme. I want us all to coordinate, but I don't really want me to stick out like a sore thumb.

We are all going to be wearing jeans with this btw - except Josie.

So here are the questions I have for you:

1. Are Clayton's and Josie's outfits too busy? If so, suggestions please!

2. Is Justin's shirt too dark? Should he go with something brighter?

3. Which one of my shirt choices should I go with? Why?

4. If you chose the rust sweater for me - should I wear a green shirt under it? What shade of green (I have several shades to choose from)? If not a green shirt, what color would you suggest?

5. I was thinking we would all wear dark jeans - except Josie. Do you think that will work or should the people who are wearing darker shirts (Clayton and Justin) wear a lighter denim?

As always, I appreciate your input!

Noah also appreciates your help!

Somethin' Springy

So I went and bought the boys Easter outfits today. I figured that the closer I got to Easter the less motivated I was going to be to leave the house so I'd better just get it done. I love new Easter outfits, aside from the actual reason we celebrate Easter, I think they are the best part of this holiday! Here's what I got for Noah:
I really like the bright colors because Noah is a bright color kind of kid. It fits with his personality. These colors also make me wish spring were already here. My absolute favorite though is these hats!!! I know they can't wear them to church or anything, but I really couldn't resist!!
And now for Clayton. I have known for a while now that I wanted him to wear pink. I used to fight the whole 'pink on guys' thing, but I'm over it now and I actually really like it. So I saw this pink tie and knew that I wanted to plan his outfit around it. I found a cute vest that I LOVE and some great black pants - which is a first for Clayton, he's never had black dress pants before, only navy and khaki. My only issue now is which shirt does he wear under the vest? I like both shirts for different reasons and I think they both work, I just can't decide which one works better. So you tell me, what shirt should Clayton wear?
Pink and white striped shirt
Black and white checked shirt
Here's a few close-ups so you can see better what the shirts look like:

And, of course Clayton in his hat (his hat is black so it's not as easy to see as Noah's, but trust me, just as cute)!
I had to throw this one in - there's a mirror behind me and he is TOTALLY checking himself out!!!
So now I ask you, which shirt do you think I should have Clayton wear on Easter Sunday? As I said, I like them both so I really can't decide. I think I have one that I am leaning toward, but it's too close for me to call right now!