After the Rain

Morning dew has lifted, and the children need to be aired out for a little while. The very idea of a story-time picnic cheers us all up, as we have been kept in most of the week by unusually heavy rains.
We set out together and find a clear spot under the small pines above the pond. Firstborn and Right-hand man follow along as I read Little Owl Indian. After the last page is turned, they set off to go hunting while little Sweet Pea nurses and reads her book, God Loves Me.
The birds flutter overhead. She and I listen and look. We notice that we are not the only ones out on this hillside....a turtle comes up from behind and nibbles on a large mushroom.

He peeks his head out and watches us watch him. The boys gather little sticks to poke into the top of the mushroom, like candles on a birthday cake. And so we celebrate. Joy is written here on our faces.