The winning photo in Leader Publications’ Mommy & Me photo contest features Norine Foster-Anderson and her son, Aric Foster. Foster-Anderson, of Eau Claire, said her son was attempting to get her to laugh during a birthday celebration at a restaurant around seven years ago.

All five of her children were there.

“I can’t remember what he was doing, but my kids do their best to make fun of me and try to make me say something silly,” Foster-Anderson said. “Then they take that opportunity to tell me how much they really love me. They do it all the time.”

She said the picture is a snapshot of their family’s relationship.

“It depicts something funny between a mother and a child,” she said.

Foster-Anderson’s photo, entitled “Kids!!!,” was one of 78 entered into the contest.

Second place went to “Teaching Mommy to Play Football,” while “My Mom My Twin” took third. Fourth place was “Jack & Mommy,” and fifth place was “Easter.”

Winners were chosen based on the popular online vote and the vote of two members of Leader Publications staff. Nearly 500 votes were cast online.

Winners got to choose between five prizes, including a free stay at Baymont Inn and Suites in Dowagiac, 12 Yogalates classes at Thomsons Physical Therapy in Niles, breakfast for two at Olfactory Hue Bistro in Niles, a mommy and me pedicure from The Hairitage in Dowagiac and a free sixth month fitness center membership from the Cass County Council on Aging.

Leader Publications congratulates all the winners and thanks everyone who participated. Keep checking Leaderpub.com for upcoming contests.