Tea for Three (4 if you count me)

It rained today.  Like a good cry, it feels good every now and then.  It reminds me of home.  Really, what I wanted to do today is gather up my family and make camp in our bed.  Wouldn't that be great?  We could read books, play cards, tickle, sleep (okay that is a bit far fetched), maybe even catch a little Sesame Street or something.

What is this business of leaving the house every day?  Who's idea was it to say goodbye and part ways each morning?  I wonder if my kids think of me as many times throughout the day as I think of them.  I wonder if they long for the moment when we are together again in our little nest as much as I do.  These school days have me missing the ones that are away.

I caught a brief glimpse of Emma's day today.  I came to pick her up from school and arrived early (must've been the toaster).  As I walked down the corridor towards her classroom I witnessed a whilrwind of activity.   Up and down the hall teachers were calling out reminders like, "spelling test tomorrow", "remind your parents about the field trip on Friday" or "make sure you turn in your permission slips".  Looking a bit frazzled I could see that Emma was struggling to put some papers in her desk, to pack up her backpack, to put her jacket on, and to say goodbye as each one of her friends walked out of the room.  Without her knowing, I watched her give a big sigh.   It was one of those moments when I knew (as her mother) that she needed a hug and some help.  My heart broke as I wondered how many of those moments went unnoticed when I am not there.  It was then that I wanted to call the whole thing off.  Scratch school, forget piano lessons- your coming home with me and for the next 18 years you and your sisters will just watch Sesame Street in bed with me.  I guess I felt sort of naive to the fact that her day is indeed full and busy. 

So, after all of that, what we all needed was some "low key-togetherishy fun."

Afternoon tea (or hot cider if you are under the age of 4) complete with chocolate chips and teddy grahams for nibbling. We chatted (with British accents- hilarious) and sipped away the parts of our day that were spent apart.

 

Yes, that is Hannah's had repeatedly reaching for the chocolate. She decided to mix them in with her apple cider.  Apparently, it is pretty tasty that way.  (only one broken cup- pictured below just prior to its demise, and one spill by Laurel.  You cannot get angry when you hear an 18 month old say "oopsy-daisy-o". 

Safe from the rain, the wind, schedules, and strangers...

we were warmed inside and out.