I haven’t had to teach this week, which should mean that I have all sorts of scintillating news about what the Weems have been up to or a plethora of poems for the coming spring. Pffffttt…. We stayed home. The kids worked on school. We went to the zoo one morning. I began cleaning my office. I found this picture.

“Three Under Four” is what I have called it. I wish this was the only family photo like this. Why the saleslady let me buy it is beyond me. Sometimes, you just need evidence that you tried. I showed it to Memphis, and she laughed nervously.

“Why am I crying?” she asked.

I offered a number of ideas. “Because you are almost 3? Because we told you to sit there next to your brother and smile? You might be crying because you had given yourself ANOTHER haircut making it look like you have a mullet. OR I might be clenching my teeth at you just off camera, telling you there will be no more pony toys until you cooperate.”

“Huh.” Was all Mem said in reply. Which reminds me, it’s probably time for a family photo soon.