H.S. PART 1.0: Family Picture Day

*Prologue

Martin stood in the mirror of the bathroom, pulling at the tie his mom had insisted he wear. He felt choked by the cloth. though it wasn't really tight, the eleven year old felt like it was being that it was wrapped around his neck. His mom had insisted they be real and not just clip-ons. It was teal- the same color as his brother's and his father's. His mom and sisters wore dresses of the same shade. He also had on a dress shirt under a vest.

All because today was the day they would be taking a new, updated family picture.

Every other fall, their family did this to get into the holiday season. Like today. It was the beginning of November, right when all the real holiday family celebrations started.

Not just his immediate family either- his aunts, uncles, and grandparents along with his cousins would be there. That also meant he'd have to deal with Zach as well as there step cousin Jake...this was going to be a long day. He couldn't wait to get it over with.

And get the tie off.

As he pulled at the complicated tie to try and get it at least a bit looser, his brother poked his head in. Chris was completely dressed up which the both didn't really like to do often. He had on a teal dress-shirt that had sleeves made to roll up to the elbows.

He'd somehow escaped getting his necktie done for the time being. But it was obvious she had already got his hair with the comb and some gel. It looked greasy and was strangely forced down from its usually pointy style.

But he didn't look too happy. "Martin, ready to go?"

Martin stepped off the stool and walked into the hall looking at Chris in puzzlement. "Why? We don't have to take the pictures for another two hours."

Chris nodded quickly. "Yeah, I know. But mom says she needs to go with dad and check on something with the photo guy."

Martin nodded. "Okay. Then I'll be down at the car after I find my shoes"

But Chris shook his head. "We have to go over to Zach's and wait. We have to go with their family and meet mom and dad. Christine and Susan are already ready. We're waiting on you."

"Oh."

Martin's voice dropped to an annoyed mumble. He would've rather avoided seeing his cousin as much as possible today, but he guessed it could be worse. With a resigning sigh, he nodded and went to find his shoes. "Okay. I'll meet you there in a minute."

He heard Chris bound down the stairs behind him while he walked into their shared room. He slipped on the new shoes that were partially under his bed. He tied them quickly before jumping up and bounded down the stairs, not exactly as excited as before.

XXX

Water: Short new chapter, but wanted to give a preview of a Kratts as Kids Story I will be working on :] it starts in the fall and will have a part 2 with a few thanksgiving chapters. I like writing them as kids, and Rainy Day Dilemma was fun, so here's something similar! A story on family and holiday spirit X) I will be updating this! So if you like, then stick around.