Visions of Hope & Fear

Annalise (3yrs): Mommy

Me: Yeah, sweet girl?

Annalise: <announces wistfully> If you make a wish, and blow on a dandelion, your wish comes true!

Me: Yeah? Awesome!

Claire (6yrs): <leans over and whispers to Annalise> Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. I’ve tried it tons of times.

As we drive into Fair Oaks Ranch tonight (where my parents live, close to Boerne):

Claire (6yrs): Annalise, quick, this looks familiar! Roll down your window! That’s important.

Annalise (3yrs): <frantically finds switch, rolls down window obediently>

Claire: <reaches arm out window to feel air, takes a deep breath> Oh my goodness! You’re right Mommy! It SMELLS beautiful. Like fresh water. And it FEELS beautiful, especially the cool air. Annalise, see? Put your hand out the window like Mommy and me, and feel the air.

Annalise: <puts hand out obediently>

Claire: And it LOOKS beautiful! See, there’s a deer! And the stars! They’re so bright, like little beans of light shining down on us. And it SOUNDS beautiful, especially the crickets. You’re right, Mommy!

Annalise: Yes! Mommy, it IS beautiful!!!

Me: <Sigh. I just love them.>

Me: [reading in the living room, then spot Annalise across the room, peering at me craftily around the side of the sofa chair]

Annalise (3yrs): [notices I might have seen her, so quickly scampers over behind another piece of furniture, then pauses a few moments, and scampers to another one]

Me: Um, …. what’s up?

Annalise: [whispers] I’m practicing SNEAKING.

Me: [chuckle a little]

Annalise: [entirely serious] Don’t smile, Mommy. This is SERIOUS business. It’s important. You DO NOT see me. [tip toes, with side-ways suspicious glances, out of room]

Me: [proud sigh]