Every family is unique - we ought to know - but after a dozen years and hundreds of great families we've worked out a system that builds up quickly to the big gang. Along the way everybody learns how to sit, kneel, hug and smile so the big important shot sorta falls into place without the kids getting bored or Grandpa's leg going to sleep. The little guys should have fresh expressions and be relatively dry (there is an ocean right there). And with us being us, they should have a good time, too.

And here's how it goes....

First we're gonna meet your gang - either at your house or some place pretty - and meet everybody. We'll talk to the kids, get them focused up a little bit, see if we can't find a helper in the crew, make sure we've got any necessary supplies and off we go! After that we check the wind direction (for some reason that's important to the ladies), light angle, and background.

Then we grab the Queen & her King (you know who you are!), plop them down in the sand and get a couple shots while they pretend not to know you.

Next it's the original tax deductions for an update of the family pic (no, Johnny, not your turn yet!) from way back.

Then it's out with the old and in with the new as the grandkids pile in (yes, Johnny, now you can climb in) while the alleged grownups stand behind us waving like a chorus of demented cheerleaders.

Now it's time for everybody to pile in for the big shot (or 3 or 4) while our partners clean out your house, cars, and credit cards (just kidding). And just like that, the royal couple is off duty!

Notice we've kept the kids moving, made them WANT to be in the pictures (OK, Johnny, it's your turn!) and the royalty hasn't had to move during their shift - subtle, huh?

Next up is each family, starting with the ones with the youngest kids (shortest fuse) unless someone's on dinner duty and needs an early parole. After we work our way around the circle we'll see if the kids have any gas left in the tank, throw 'em in the ocean and play sinkers and floaters.

After all that is done, it's time to play! And if the kids are up to it (in more ways than one) we can reward their patience and let them call the shot (pun intended) with a little fun, and if the bigger kids (you guys) want to jump in, well, go for it!

Follow the trail of breadcrumbs (or beer cans) back to the house where we can hose off and we'll need the committee of moms up at the dining table for just a few minutes. Make some refreshments and put the dads on sitting duty while we show you some samples of different print types, give you a password, answer what questions we can about cool places to eat, things to do, where the medical center is (boys will be boys!) and you can check that chore done and return to vacation time. Around 1 week later we'll have your online gallery up for all to see.