Say Cheeeeeese

Last weekend Chris’ mom organized a family photo shoot with a photographer they had previously worked with. She was in town shooting some engagement pictures for another couple. The plan was to meet at Downtown Bellevue Park at 11 Sat morning. I went upstairs to round up the kids about 10:15. I told them we were going to a park to have some family pictures taken and that they needed to wear something not stained or torn. I figured this was a fairly reasonable request. This what I encountered: Camille, in her pajamas, sitting on her bed with arms crossed, refusing to change; Harry, in his underwear insisting he will NOT put clothes on and slamming the door in my face, and Elyse with her clothes on, but her body diagonally across her bed, face down. I walked away and went to regroup in my room. I looked at the clock. It was 10:40. I contemplating calling my mother in law and asking her how badly she wanted these family pictures. I also contemplated calling the photographer directly and cancelling. BUT, I pulled out my best mothering strategy, empathy, and told them I totally understood that they didn’t feel like getting dressed and going to have their picture taken and that there were other things I’d rather be doing as well, but that it was important that we do this, blah, blah, blah.

At 10:55 we all loaded up into the car. And guess who pulls up? Chris. All sweaty, still in his sweaty soccer clothes, and unshaven. So much for the adults setting a good example. “We’re supposed to be there at 11″ I say. “I know,” he says casually. I drove off, without him, figuring Chris could explain to his own mother why he isn’t in any of the “family” pictures.

Merry Christmas. These were going to be some great pictures. 3 frowning kids and one mom, who is less than pleased with her spouse.

We all eventually cooperated, more or less. All was ok, until about 4:10 that afternoon. I was all set to get to my 4:30 yoga class when Chris called, saying that despite the fact that he was supposed to be home by 4:10, he still hadn’t left the store. GRRR. So I had to load the kids up in the car, and have him meet me at the yoga studio to exchange the kids. This sort of last minute rushing was not how I wanted to arrive at yoga. Luckily after 90 minutes of yoga, I was able to reset.

Sunday we went out with neighbors to a downtown restaurant called Cuoco. I realized as I walked up to it that I think it was the same restaurant my Oakwood friends and I went to last summer for our Girl’s Weekend in Seattle. Of all the restaurants in Seattle, I suggest one I had been to before! Anyway, we ended up sitting in an area with couches and chairs instead of at a table, and eating mostly appetizers. It was a very inexpensive way to do a nice restaurant, but, in the end, I think I prefer a table. It was great to go out though, since we don’t get to linger with them very often.   All 9 kids were having a group playdate with 2 babysitters.  Elyse said it was a little overwhelming.  I can imagine.  5 boys, and 4 girls all between the ages of 10 and 3.  Yikes.  I’m glad I wasn’t babysitting all those kids!

Last night we went to see Garden D’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.  It is truly spectacular.  Alice and Rody were in town and so we got to have dinner with them here and then all go together to walk through the display of lights. 

Tonight I have dinner book club, so I am very excited for that.  Chris will be going to “guys” cards night tomorrow.  Even Steven.  Everybody wins!

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