How about we NOT read tonight

revious night but he can’t find, Max begins pulling several books out of the bins that I had just organized. He finally finds the bin that has the TV show books and pulls out every single Dora book he can find. “Read this one!” he yells. “Read Dora!” he says. At the same time, Cameron finds his books and insists that I read his book first. “No, read DORA!” Max continues screaming. As I finally convince Cameron that he’ll have to wait until I’m done with Max’s book, Cameron starts whining and complaining that Max always gets his way, and it’s not fair that he never gets to read his book first

Then I sit on Max’s bed, and both Max and Cameron try to sit on my lap. But not only are they both crushing my legs and I struggle to read the book around their big heads, but they push and shove each other trying to get closer to the middle than the other one. Finally, I can’t take it anymore, and I allow Max to sit in my lap as I read his book, and Cameron just sits next to me, complaining once again that it’s not fair. If by chance Ella is not in her crib yet, then she joins us on Max’s bed and starts screaming, trying to push Max off me so she can sit comfortably in my lap, alone.

After I’m done with Max’s book, we head up to the top bunk to read Cameron’s selection. However, Max sees no reason whatsoever why he must give up his place in my lap. So he starts screaming and crying. I set him beside me to allow Cameron to take his proper place, while Max continues to scream and cry and wedge his way in between Cameron and me. I try ignoring him, reasoning with him, getting angry with him, but his screaming persists. He is so loud, Melvin has come up several times asking what is wrong with him. Really, the way he carries on, you’d think he fell head first on the concrete sidewalk. Cameron refuses to give up his spot, nor should he have to, so I just begin reading. And while trying to read loud enough so Cameron can hear me over Max’s cries without waking up Ella in the adjoining room, I am also trying to guard Max from stumbling off the top bunk as he continues with his tantrum.

As a reading teacher, I know the importance of reading aloud to your children, but something's gotta give here.

See why I REALLY need this kid-free vacation!