Made up memory: Facial Expression Master

  There have been times in my life where I have been accused of pulling a lot of faces.

And all I have to say is...I learned from the Master.

There are so few pictures where Ben isn't pulling a face, he truly had mastered the art of deforming his face in the name of comedy.

Back in the day, before digital cameras were invented, my parents had no choice to delete a picture and try again when Ben pulled a face.  You were just stuck with whatever happened.

In 1990, my parents wanted to have a nice little photo shoot of the kids together.  I imagine it went a bit like this:

Mom/Dad:  Okay kids, everyone pose in front of the fire place for a nice little picture all together.

*Kids do as told*

Mom/Dad:  Oh, aren't you all the cutest things we've ever seen?  How about you pose with the little girls on the big kids shoulders.  Awwww...darling!  Now, everyone say cheese!

Girls:  CHEESE!
Ben:  FART! (while pulling a horrible face)

Ben with Emily on his shoulders, Aspen with me on her shoulders

Mom/Dad:  BEN!  We don't say that word!  And please, just smile for the picture!
Ben:  Okay.

Mom/Dad:  All right, let's try this again.  But this time, let's try the big kids on the little girl's shoulders...just for kicks and giggles.  All right, you cute things you, everybody, say cheese!

Girls:  CHEESE!
Ben:  BOOGER!  (while still managing to pull a face)

Mom/Dad:  BEN!  Is it too much to ask for you to take one decent picture?
Ben:  As a matter of fact...it is.

Mom/Dad:  Fine.  Everyone just make a silly face, we give up.

Back: Emily, Me.
Front: Ben and Aspen

And there you have it...a Master teaching us his art.