For as long as I can remember, picture day has always been in the fall. So when the flier came home in Eli’s backpack for spring photos, I promptly dismissed it as something for the kids who had missed picture day in the fall. The morning of spring picture day unfolded like any other. I let Eli pick his own outfit, which on this particular day consisted of the world’s saddest Andrew Luck jersey* and a pair of sweatpants that, due to a recent growth spurt, are bordering man-pri territory. To top off the look? Brown shoes with no socks. We left for the bus stop without a big emphasis on brushing hair or removing the crusty yogurt mustache. We have more important things to tend to, like sleep. And Plants vs. Zombies.
Normally this is how most of the kids roll. It’s bed head and mismatched outfits galore at the bus stop. Not this morning. As we approached the bus stop, I realized there must’ve been some fine print on that flier I neglected to read. Every kid at the bus stop had shirts that matched their pants and snazzy hair. Eli looked at me in a panic, but I assured him it was fine. I think he bought it, even as I tried to spit-comb his cowlick into submission.
We never actually buy school pictures, but this might just be the year to splurge on the full package. I can’t decide which one I prefer.
Ratty Andrew Luck jersey by the river? It’s a good thing he wore his waders, in case he wants to venture into the water without getting those nice sweatpants wet.
I do believe that kid is flipping me off.
Or perhaps Ratty Andrew Luck jersey by the seaside is a better choice. I mean, it is a jaunty look.
The bird still flies at the seashore.
I wish I could say this has never happened before, but sadly that’s not true. Shortly after Eli was born, I sent Elena to school dressed in the outfit of her choosing – floral leggings and a clashing, paint-stained summer camp t-shirt. If her hair was brushed it was a miracle.
“How was your day?” I asked her upon picking her up from school.
“Great!” she replied. “The picture man said he really liked my camp shirt.”
At least no one can say I show favoritism when it comes to picture day #momfails.
* So I found this jersey during Andrew’s first season with the Colts at a consignment sale and thought I’d found the steal of the century because it was $5. And then I washed it one time and all the letters started to peel off. It’s now an official Andrew “uck” jersey, as the “L” fell off. Andrew just finished his second season, yet I’ve seen Jeff George jerseys in better condition.
We’ll see our results! It’s spring picture day today, which we don’t usually buy, but they do take the class pictures and those we do buy. Boys forgot about it when getting dressed and there was no time to change… can’t wait to see the results!
Oh goodness … I didn’t even think about the class photo!
We called those kinds of pants “floods” when I was growing up. Bill never heard that term so it must not have been a thing here. I read “waders” and thought Eli would be wearing fishing gear. 🙂
You know, now that I think about it, I may have my terminology wrong! I think “floods” is the right word!
Spring pictures are the best! And when I say best, I mean worst! The cheesy backgrounds, the cheesy poses. Can’t wait to see the results of Sam’s any day now. I can’t remember what he wore, but I remember thinking I wouldn’t be buying the pictures! I believe our school only does the class pictures with the fall photos, so we’re good there!
Oh that’s good to know … he looked halfway dapper in his fall photo. When did spring photos become a thing, though?
The pics and your commentary literally had me sitting here giggling. When my kids bring home the Spring form now they hand it to me and say “I KNOW WE AREN’T BUYING ANY!” before I can even get it out of my mouth. Apparently in middle school they don’t even take them any more unless you plan on buying them. Which bummed Cassie because it meant she didn’t get out of class! School pictures…..the ones with the stories behind them are the best.
Very true … I don’t remember any of my elementary school photos, except for the 3rd grade one when my mom forgot it was picture day as well. It’s a classic!