POV: You’re a busy mom living in Midlothian, and you’re in charge of planning most things your family does. Every day, the schedule is written in your proverbial handwriting, and everyone asks you what’s happening next (even if you live this routine so often it feels like Groundhog Day).

And then Family Photos enter the picture (pun intended). You’re tired of planning everything already, and would love a single day where you don’t have to be in charge of planning. A day where you can just go along for the ride.

I’m here to give you an ideal Family Photo Day schedule to follow, as you live and play in Midlothian. We’re talking ideal, as in all you have on the calendar is family photos, and not, like 17 other things, too. (A girl can dream, right?) Let’s jump into this ideal world in Midlothian, Virginia, and live our best life:

A mom carries her infant son on one hip and a coffee cup with her other hand. He is carrying a chew toy.

Breakfast:

Do you usually get everyone dressed before breakfast? Not today! Today we’re eating breakfast first, getting the food stuff out of the way and not stressing about getting our photo clothes messy. Will you go big and get Sugar Shack before everyone gets up? Or maybe grab coffee and a pastry from Corner Rock Cafe?

Mother and kids in the bathroom, little girl is staring at the camera with her toothbrush in her mouth while Mom stares at the mirror and her son climbs out of the bathtub (fully clothed) in the background.

After breakfast:

Not time to get dressed yet! First we’re brushing teeth, washing faces, and dealing with water and toothpaste.

Okay NOW we’re getting dressed. You’re not stressed, because you picked out your outfits days ago. (See the bottom of this post.)

A mom reaches for her baby's bottle on the table beside her while Dad and toddler daughter cuddle up and read a book on the couch nearby. They are calming nervous systems.

Calming nerves:

That nervous energy everyone has because you got ready early (good for you) and you don’t know where to put it. You could nervously scroll your phone and plop the kids in front of a screen for a bit. Or you could throw on some music and get the house ready together. You can prep the stuff for whatever activity we have planned. Cooking or baking? Get out the ingredients. Painting? Get out the art supplies. (It doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s really just busy work until I get there.) Alternatively, reading a book together can calm little people down and distract them.

A toddler eats melts out of a snack cup while sitting in a him-sized chair beside two Elmos, in his living room.

15 Minutes Before Our Session:

Turn off any inevitable screens, take off tech watches, eat a snack, go potty/change diapers, turn off overhead lights, and open window coverings to let in the light.

Time for photos!

We’ll play together and take photos for about an hour. We’re gonna have a great time! You’re not stressed about this either, because you filled out the questionnaire I sent you ahead of time and you know I’m coming with a plan. (Again, see the bottom of this post.)

A toddler scoots backwards off a bed and aims for the bench at the foot of the bed, his jeans ride up his legs as he scoots.

Breath of Relief:

It’s a real load off to be done, I get it. Kick out the photographer, breathe a sigh of relief that no matter how the kids did, it’s over, and now you can relax.

Lunch:

Will you stay home or go out? May I suggest Bell Greek, Sergio’s Pizza, or Pepe’s?

Activity:

If it’s lovely out, how about a trip to your closest park? The path at Midlothian Mines Park is flat and perfect for little bike riders, and Huguenot Park has its fenced in playground. If it’s raining, the Children’s Museum of Richmond is a terrific alternative on Hull Street with lots to do.

Dessert??

A sweet treat might be overkill at this point, or it might be a perfect ending to your afternoon. Gelati Celesti has locations near both CMOR and Huguenot Park, while BrecoTea and bubs and Gracie's Ice Cream and Cookies have strategic spots on Hull. BrecoTea also has a Busy Street location.

Dinner

We’re doing low-key dinner at home now, after all that. Feel free to borrow my kids’ favorite dinners: lunch for dinner, aptly named “Lunch Dinner” (sandwiches, fruit, chips, etc); or “Snack Dinner” which deceitfully takes longer to make than Lunch Dinner because of the various things you’re opening and closing to make it. Spoonful of peanut butter (or your favorite alternative), apple slices, pretzels, popcorn (for those old enough to eat it), fruit, yogurt, fruit snacks, cheese, raw veggie sticks with Ranch or hummus, some sort of bread or cracker. You get the idea. The kids love Snack Dinner because it’s novel and fun and full of the stuff they ask for all day every day.

Screen crash

You all earned a little screen time. Or, if you want to keep the good thing going, play an age appropriate board game before you all really crash. The kids will sleep well tonight.

A mom and her toddler daughter laugh while laying in the grass in their yard.

How’s that for an ideal day? No extracurriculars, sports, or birthday parties to cram into your schedule. (Also no naps to jam in there either, so adjust as you need.) Just family time all day, lots of play time around Midlothian, and the best part: you’ll have photos from your morning together very soon! I’ll be emailing you a sneak peek from the morning’s photo session, along with your timeline, by tomorrow. Make sure to check your spam if you don’t see it!

Now that you see what a whole day looks like when I schedule it for you, want me to plan your week?

I put together a guide for the week leading up to your family photos, designed to help you prep for Photo Day with just 15 minutes (or less!) each day. Download it here!

Your Ideal Family Photo Day in Midlothian