Twilight in Toddlerland

What is it with toddlers and evenings?

The little green digital clock on the microwave switches over to 5:00 and my normally easy going and jolly one-year-old becomes a chaotic mess of emotions. He's tired, but it's too early for bed. He's hungry, but he throws the graham crackers on the floor. Then, he whines, "Curcur?"

He falls. He bumps. He thumps. He cries. He squeals. He runs. He falls.

Tonight, he spent 10 minutes screeching and chasing the boxers around the kitchen island with a turkey baster. Seconds after that, he was sitting on the floor with his face red and scrunched while giant teardrops pooled above his soft pink cheeks. Where was the transition?

Of course, this happens during the time of day when people who don't have children normal people make dinner. Not us. We're at the park.

Thank god for the park.