Ahhh Dalton.
He is not easy to photograph.
Sitting for the camera is not one of his favorite pastimes.
And smiling? No thank you. I have to tease and trick those smiles out of him.
He takes himself very seriously.
Evidently, when you’re almost 8, life is pretty serious.
So it was a most welcomed surprise to run into “Coozie”, the little-bitty, tinkling, incredibly nosy dog we met at the local park.
He broke down Dalton’s defenses.
I like breaking down people’s defenses. But when I can’t, I’ll gladly allow a dog to do the work for me.
Look at him. He’s starting to buckle.
Dalton’s trying to resist. He wants everyone to think he’s a tough guy.
And in many ways, he is.
He loves sports. He loves competing. But even more than either of those, he loves winning.
All the time, every time.
He’s extremely athletic. And very bright. I have no idea where either of those traits came from, but we think we’ll keep him.
Ah, there it is. See that smile? That soft spot?
That dog is breaking him down. He loves dogs.
And he loves his brothers and sisters.
He is very protective of his little bros, especially Shepherd. Dalton has sort of taken Shep under his wing. And Shepherd is crazy about him.
Actually, there aren’t many people who aren’t crazy about Dalton. He’s a social butterfly, without the butterfly part. He wouldn’t like that too much.
He’s a talker, and if he gets in trouble at school, it’s for talking. He’s got the gift of gab.
I do know where he got that from.
He’s an ornery booger. And he’s stubborn.
If he feels like he’s been wronged, you’d better watch out.
Thankfully I’m his mama. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about all my boys is that they have a soft spot for their mama. And Dalton is no exception.
Kinda makes his ornery, stubborn, serious side a bit more bearable when he flashes that sweet smile. Or wants to snuggle with me on the couch when he gets tired. Or asks for his kisses at night.
Yeah. We’ll keep him.
To join in on Sunday snapshot… just grab the button and let me know where to find you and your post!
Leave a comment to let me know you’ve posted a Sunday Snapshot and I’ll add it here so everyone can read it! (sorry, Sara, Mr. Linky was givin’ me no love today)

P.S. To learn more about Sunday Snapshot, visit here for the basics π
What a handsome little guy your Dalton is!!
I've decided to join you and do my own Sunday Snapshot today! Thanks for the inspiration!
I wish I had a way with words….but my simple little post will have to do with my "un-creativity!"
Today it's about Lib, my oldest π
Great pictures of Dalton!! I think this will be my favorite part of participating in SS – getting those individual pictures. You will notice that with MY 7.5 year old, we had to go stompin' through the muddy woods and down by a creek to take pictures. No way was he settling for the front porch like my girl!
Bummer about Mr. Linky π What nerve to cop an attitude today of all days.
p.s. LOVE the nosy dog that wasn't even yours – it photographs well!!
No Sunday Snapshot for me…I've been in school since Friday night and just got home, but I'm enjoying reading the one's you've listed.
I love the photos…and story about Dalton. Your children are not only strikingly gorgeous, they are all so interesting, too. I think I know where he got his brains, too π
I did it! I did it! I finally posted!
http://carringtontate.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunday-snapshot.html
Dalton is pretty darn cute. He is going to be quite the heartbreaker without even knowing it!
I really love hearing about your kids every week. I hope to someday be able to join in the Sunday Snapshot fun.
Oh–he is such a doll! What beautiful eyes he has!
You have an incredibly special family!
God Bless!
Amy D.
http://www.lotsokidz.blogspot.com
Oh how I love your description of Dalton. He reminds me SO much of my almost 9 year old, Harry. Seriously, Harry is all competitive and bright and social.
Dalton is adorable. I must tell you that I LOVE Snapshot Sunday. I love getting to know the lil quirks of all the little ones out there in blogland. you started a good thing here Steph.
You know, Kim, I totally agree! I just got done reading all the Sunday Snapshot posts and I had the best time learning the big (and little!) things about these precious kiddos!!
To everyone who posted this week, thank you so much! I've loved every minute of this π
I love your photos of Dalton!
I joined you today for Sunday Snapshot. Today it is about Lenna, our oldest daughter.
Blessings,
Gayly
quilt-n-mama. blogspot. com
Dalton is adorable!! Oooohhh…watch out girls…I can see it now! π
Love getting to know all about these precious kiddos!!
What wonderful photos you have of the boy who does NOT like to be photographed!
JUST FABULOUS!
He is the sweetest thing. What a smile it is. I love to read about your kiddos. And I love to write about mine.
I did mine today…finally. Thanks for the linky help.
Just for you… and because today is Lydia's 2nd birthday, I did my first Sunday Snapshot. I promise they will be shorter in the future. This was a big day after all! Now what do I do after next week when I've depleted all my children?
Oh my, Dalton and Gabe would be great friends…they sound very alike!
Can't wait for next week, although I need to take my oldest out for some shots…not sure how that will go over…
I was thinking the same thing, Denise!
I took Dalton out yesterday for the pics for my Snapshot post, and it turned out to be the most fun!! Just another fun part of making it a special day just for that special kiddo π
So sweet!!! Love, love , love the pics with the pup!!!
Hi, Stefanie! I did Sunday Snapshot yesterday, but wasn't able to check in…lucky to get the post done! I've been using pics already on my computer, but I look forward to starting to take special photos of my kiddos on Sundays…I'll just tell 'em Stefanie said so! :o)