Class Picture Day

Picture day is always a fun event, the younger, the ... "funner" The only thing better than trying to get a 3 year old to look at the camera, shoulders back, but not hunched, a "real" smile, eyes open, but not deer-in-the-headlights... 17 2-5 year olds doing all of the above simultaneously.

So the other day was class picture day at school. Great idea to have preschool go first, before breakfast so faces are not (as) messy, hair is (somewhat) in tact, and syrup has not been served. I did my very best to line all the students up, as requested, tallest to shortest and head to the gym. It was quite a task because the line leader for the week was NOT the tallest, the caboose not the shortest, the door holder nowhere near the front and the sign helper somewhere in the middle.

We made it to the gym (a minute or two late) and I was so happy that the fourth grade classes graciously allowed us to cut in line and take our picture- it should only take a minute. We got the little darlings in their places, some standing on chairs, others standing, while some sitting in chairs. One glance across the class and the photographer saw a few changes that needed to be made. It was obvious that one boy was slouching considerably and there was no changing it- move to standing on the floor- nope- stand on a chair right beside the teacher.

Good to go. All hands are by their sides or in their laps... One, Two, Cheese! Insert photographer throwing his hands to his face, bending over laughing while pointing to a girl in the top row saying "we need to fix that!" Finger straight up the nose, right on Cheese. While boy who was moved three times salutes the camera. Takes 2 through 15, boy trying to salute camera while a teacher holds his arms down by his side, different boy staring at lights (2 actually), different girl leaning on the chair in front of her elbows straight out, propping her head on her hands. Teacher asks her to stand up, so she does, keeping her head on her hands, elbows straight out (be specific while giving directions to 4 year olds). The photographer finally starts shooting rapid fire hoping that everyone is looking in at least one shot. After 15 minutes (not joking) we are dismissed.

I got the proof today- 2 boys staring at the ceiling, 1 saluting the camera, and a finger up a nose. And three adults happily looking at the camera as if this happens every day. I can honestly say that I do love picture day!

By the way, the proof I received is not the one that will be used, it was just for me to write the names down on, but I do want a copy of.