Chess, mock photo shoots, and complete randomness

One of the many things that Jon and I enjoy doing together is playing a good old game of chess. I never played it before we were married, but now I'm thinking about going pro. I beat Jon a few weeks ago in only 5 moves! No joke. :) Anyway, when we went on our cruise last year (to Ensenada, Mexico) we bought this giant chess set. We were able to get a bargain deal on it because Jon pretended to be a Mexican (he's really half Guatemalan, half Ecuadorian). The owner of the shop told him "Well, my friend, because you are a Mexican, I will give it to you for really cheap." I feel a little dishonest for not saying anything, but what can we do about it now? Plus, I couldn't say anything anyway. Jon advised me to keep my mouth shut because if I tried to talk to them, they would realize that I didn't know Spanish and they would take advantage of me like crazy. So, I spent the day wandering aimlessly around Ensenada pretending to be a clueless mute. Fun times!

Here's the giant chess set:

And here's Elizabeth playing on our giant chess set:

Elizabeth's favorite things this week were colored shapes and texture balls. I treated her to a shape and ball buffet every day - she was in heaven! :)

Elizabeth really loves sitting on Daddy's shoulders and playing with his hair.

But she refuses to smile at the camera.

I wanted to take a cute picture of Elizabeth, but every time I tried, she kept getting this look of shock on her face. What's up with that? She just wouldn't close her mouth! :)

I'm going to take Elizabeth to a photo studio soon, and so I am trying to practice taking her picture. I have had absolutely no luck whatsoever. She sees the camera, and she refuses to smile. The following pictures are just a few examples...

"Mommy, how many times do I have to tell you? I really don't want to smile for the camera!"

"Did you hear what I said?! I don't want to see that camera again!"

I guess mommy doesn't get the picture. Maybe if I just look really sad and pitiful, she'll feel sorry for me and put the camera away.

Or, maybe if I make a really weird face, she'll start laughing and she'll forget about taking pictures.

Hmmm....that didn't seem to work. I'll try to look really sad this time.

Actually, maybe I'll just leap off the couch!!

"Mommy...I just can't take this anymore. I feel a little nautious."

"How's this, Mommy? Is it good enough for you?"

"Oh...it's not? I'm sorry."

"There! I smiled! Are you satisfied?!"

Later on in the day...

"Mom, is that what I think it is?!"

"I thought that I made it perfectly clear earlier that I despise that thing!"

Maybe when I open my eyes, the camera will be gone.

Oh, it's still there. Will this ever end?

I hope that we have better luck at the actual photo studio!!