4-6 pm Syndrome

We have a very typical routine during the day between meals, naps, outings, etc.... Our children are generally easy-going, go-with-the-flow kind of gals. I say "generally" because obviously have moments when that is not the case. Overall, they are very fun to be around until 4 pm hits. I'm not sure what makes the switch go off, but at 4 pm I have at least one child clawing, whining, crying at my feet, or needing something. Lately, Addy has been the most consistent perpetrator. So what really happens at 4 0'clock? I usually begin scrounging to plan dinner, clean up the day's mess in the kitchen, and help Mary Ella clean some of the day's activities up (I'm sure there are other things that happen during this time as well). Anyways, as soon as I starting clanging things in the kitchen...it begins. I've tried to put on Baby Einstein...doesn't work, set her up with toys/activities....she migrates her way back, get her involved with her sister....again, migrates her way back. This usually ends when we all sit down for dinner around 6 o'clock or Scott gets home (also usually around 6 o'clock). This time period is the most challenging time of day for me and I hear the same from many other moms. I guess it is just a "right of passage". Sorry about the negativity, but I had to vent.....