What follows is a true story that is retold year after year whenever we come across the photo.
In the mid-70s, we moved to Atlanta and befriended our next door neighbors. Thankfully, we moved in and met our neighbors prior to Christmas holiday season.
When it came time to gather for the annual Christmas card photo, we enlisted our next door neighbor to take the picture. Before our neighbor came to our house, we put our dog downstairs in the ‘rec’ room and closed the door.
The photo was taken by a fireplace, located next to the door that led downstairs.
Mr. Cox, our neighborhood photographer, said he was going to count to 3 and then click the picture.
“One.” Our dog barked once. We laughed.
“Two.” Our dog barked twice. We laughed harder.
“Three.” Our dog barked – yep, you guessed it – three times.
True to his word, Mr. Cox clicked the camera, and he captured a moment when everyone in the family was either smiling or laughing.
You may notice my brother is grabbing is pants, in an effort to maintain some sort of composure. You may notice my sister – the one in the middle and wearing a maroon dress – her shoulders are ‘up’ as she was literally in the midst of laughter. And finally, you may notice me, the one in the pink striped pant suit; I was hoping I would not laugh so hard that I had an accident.
A great family photo with a great story to match. (I’ll leave it to you to speak to the clothing. Take your time and really inspect the photo, as there is much to see.)
.:.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
Oh were you cute!!!!
Were cute?! WERE cute?! I AM cute. Dang blast it!
I love this story!
Thanks, Andrea HT. I love the story, too. Now I have it written down for the boys.
The photo and the story have made my day … funny and enduring. Blessings – Maxi
I am happy to have made your day, Maxi. Thank you for visiting. Blessings to you.
I can’t decide which I like better: the shoes on the girl in front — or the horns hanging on the wall. Well, when in doubt, I always pick hideous shoes. 😀
Welcome to the neighborhood, Ellen. The horns held gun powder, and I have those horns stored in a closet. I kid with my husband that I may take them to an Antiques Roadshow audition. And the shoes… yes, my sister’s shoes, which I think resemble clown shoes.
What a great photo that inspires a trip down memory lane for me. The clothes, the panelling, the colour! I thought I heard barking as I read it…oh yeah it’s my dog Bree…:)
Hi Bree! 🙂 I am glad you liked the picture, Chris. It is definitely a walk down memory lane for me.
What a sweet story and a happy family and a smart dog! I love the paneling. It reminds me of my grandparents’ house.
Thank you, HC. Everything about this picture screams ‘dated’. VERY dated. And our dog was one of the best dogs.
What a great story, and a great looking family! You could have posed for a Tang commercial back in the day.
Hahahaha! Posed for Tang! That cracked me up, Peg.
I think all great pictures tell a good story! Great picture!
Glad you liked it, Steve.
Aw!!! Cute alert! You were soo sweet, Lenore! (still are, that came out wrong…)
You and Kim … what’s up with the ‘were’ comment. Good gravy, Gals. *sigh*
Hi,
It is always great looking back at old photos, so many memories attached to them, and of course looking back at what we used to wear, now that always brings on a smile. 😀
I love this photo for many reasons, Mags; and the clothing is one of the reasons. I am glad this brought a smile to your face.
Absolutely loved this! Family life! woof-woof-woof or bark-bark-bark or meow! One never knows. Short story…but, remembered for a lifetime.
You inspire me to write down good family stories, Georgette. I am glad I have this story documented. I think the boys will find it amusing when they get older.
You are darling in that photo, Lenora.
Thank you, Amy. Looks can be deceiving. (smile)
Love it and the little blond bomber in front resembles yours 🙂
by the by, I found you straight away! The cute smile gave you away … MJ
Thank you, MJ. The smile may be a giveaway, as is the fact that my eyes close when I smile. I see the same thing happens to some of my sisters, too. Glad you liked it.
What a great way to get a natural photo! Now I need a dog…
Everyone needs a dog.
Amen! I have to show this to my husband, and tell him you’re an expert on the subject.
It really is a great shot. And a great story. And dang, I love those crazy shoes!
The shoes make the photo, KG. Really. Thanks for clicking over and paying a visit. I appreciate it!
This is a great picture. No one is wearing an outfit that would make them cringe and want to strangle you for sharing it. I’m not sure I would want to share 70’s photos of my family.
You are kind, Susan. The shoes in the picture are cringe worthy, I think.
happy photo! now i am wondering what the guy on the left is holding in his hand?,,,
Funny, I hadn’t noticed. That’s my Dad, and he’s not holding anything. It is the decorative hinge on the cabinet door, but it looks like he is holding a dagger.
This is a fun memory and a great picture. You should have let the dog be in it though.
Thank you for visiting, Erica. My Mom probably thought corralling the kids and husband was a big enough challenge. Plus, the smiles may not have been as big.
How beautiful – you are all beaming so beautifully 🙂
Thank you. The dog was the inspiration behind the smiles.