"All the furious paddling underneath"**

Today was Alex's first day of pre-kindergarten at a new school.  Time for the annual photo op!

It all started off okay,  Alex with his usual smirk and Genoa with her smushed-face grin.

After approximately ten seconds, they both started fidgeting.

So I suggested maybe they look at each other, which was cute, no?

Then I grabbed another shot when they turned back again.  Sadly, I think this is the best one I got.

Then, stupidly, I suggested a hug!  Brother + Sister + Big Hug = Cuteness squared!

Then Genoa said, "Here, Brother, hold my super special princess purse!"

"Okay, I'll put it right over here."

"And then I'll give you another big (UNWANTED) hug!"

"GIVE ME BACK MY PURSE!"

Cue tussle.

And finally, right after she head-butted him, I captured a photo that seems to me to belong in the dictionary right next to the words: Little Sister.

To say I've had a long day is an UNDERSTATEMENT.  Alex may have been at school, but Genoa decided to scream away the afternoon instead of napping.  I'm not proud, but I actually screamed back at her more than once.  ANYTHING, people, JUST MAKE THE SCREAMING END.  If she wakes up tomorrow morning covered in barf and/or with a raging fever, at least I'll have a reason for her behavior other than TEMPORARILY POSSESSED BY THE DEVIL.

** Today one of my favorite bloggers (okay, so maybe she's not just ONE OF them, but actually my absolute favorite) Linda Lee of All & Sundry wrote the following passage and I thought these photos pretty accurately described the daily churn of which she often speaks:

"Somebody left me a comment once about how family photos are like looking at ducks in the water, how you only see part of what’s really there — all the furious paddling underneath is hidden. I love that, it’s so true, and it’s one of the reasons I love taking so many pictures. It helps me remember and focus on the good moments, and let the memories fade of the churn it took just to make it through the day."

Comments

[1hot&tiredmama]

This totally cracks me up. I also had a not-so-great mama day. I actually STRAPPED my almost-two-year-old in his high chair so I could help my new kindergartener do his homework in between running back and forth to hold my three year old's hair out of her face while she puked. Oh, the life of a mom . . .

[Elizabeth]

Holy goodnight, when did Alex get so skinny and grown up looking? Crazy.
Linda is also one of my very favorites. Oh, and you, of course :)!

[laura]

okay so why is it when an illness is lurking they act like DEMONS, my daughter is completely taken over and i have no clue who she is when this happens.anyways we all have those moments and that makes us MOM. and i think all the pictures are wonderful.

[Tana]

How did Alex do on his first day? Did the afternoon seems to work out well for him?

[Tana]

How did Alex do on his first day? Did the afternoon seems to work out well for him?

[Leticia]

So sweet! Hope he had a great day. (I love Linda too! She rocks.)

[Astarte]

LOL!!!! That last picture is the BEST. Well, only when it comes at the end of the others, of course, but still, holy funny!!!! Your comments are spot-on, too. :)

[c]

Lol I would love to see a picture like that in the dictionary!