River of joy

Just as we pull our car into the driveway big raindrops fall from the sky.  Thunder cracks.  The boys jump out of the car and run in the house.  Eli sleeps in the backseat.

I stand outside and feel the rain as it starts to fall.  Soaking my hair and my clothes.  I run back inside to get the boys.  Wanting them to feel the pleasure of a warm summer rain.  "Come outside, boys and see the rain" I say.  They complain.  They are starting to play a game and don't want to be bothered.  As their mother, I don't give them a choice.  "Come outside, NOW" I say.

We run outside and it is pouring rain.  We watch it for a few minutes.  Those two boys can't stand it, they run back inside to grab jackets and other gear needed in such a rainstorm. Winter gloves for some reason were a necessity for this adventure.  When they return....the rain stops and we have a small river in our front gutter.  Pure joy for little boys.  They run and scream and splash and get each other wet. 

They are having so much fun they have to run over and get their best friend to join in.  They can't have all this fun without Daniel.

For a few precious moments, the river and the boys run freely.  Even little Eli wakes up just in time to play in the water.

Aren't these the moments in childhood that you never want to forget!  Warm summer rain, getting wet, and laughter.  The pure pleasure of an unexpected storm that brings rivers of joy.