That Makes Two of Us

It was Saturday evening. Jeffrey was gone to the church; Elsie Jane and I perched on the front porch so I could feed her some green beans and keep an eye on her sisters. Mia and Maggie were having the time of their lives.

They decided to blend the two activities that I had authorized: driving their car and running through the sprinklers.

Mia was the designated driver. With the wheels peeling, Mia navigated a series of
360's across the driveway, onto the grass and through the sprinkling water, leaving muddy tracks behind. Maggie, Mia's most ardent admirer and imitator, was reclining in the passenger seat, her feet resting on the dash. Both girls were squealing at the top of their lungs.

I observed them driving fast -- fully charged that toy car can really get some speed.


Driving without hands.


Letting the passenger -- who has yet to fully comprehend the connection between the direction she turns the wheel and the direction the car will go -- steer.


Mowing over my flower beds.


Getting wet.


And, generally having a great time.

In the midst of their shenanigans, Mia remarked to Maggie: "I sure hope I don't drive like this when I'm sixteen."

"That makes two of us," I confided to Elsie Jane. Elsie just grinned.