It’s been dreary and rainy. When the rain wouldn’t let up, Charlotte asked if she could go outside and make some rain soup. I really didn’t want to say no, but Winnie was still napping, so I said that we could go outside when she woke up. I was kind of hoping she would forget about her request by the time Winnie woke up, but she promptly went to put on her swimsuit. After arguing about whether or not it would matter if she was too cold, we compromised on a swimsuit over some clothes. She gathered her boots and umbrella and the jacket that she calls her rain jacket, even though it is not at all waterproof, and went to get Winnie with the first sounds of stirring. Winnie was not so sure about going out in the rain as she was still trying to wake up, but the promise of an umbrella was more than enough of a lure. Chuck had to first watch the color changing horses on her umbrella change with the rain, and then we went down the slippery stairs, past the trash heap of insulation and broken drywall bits from the old playroom walls, and into the backyard to make some soup. The umbrellas were soon set aside, and Charlotte set about looking for some ingredients for her soup. She dug for some mud and set up the kitchen. Winnie didn’t like walking on the wet leaves and wanted me to hold her hand mostly as she moved from one area to the next. I had my old camera taped up inside a plastic bag trying to keep it from getting too wet and my lens from fogging up. We were wet, and I was cold. It started to thunder, and then it started to lightening, so we went inside to dry off and drink some hot chocolate. I’m thankful that Charlotte got me out of the house and out of a funk on a cold, wet, dreary day.
All Mountains and Molehills 
such a patient mum!!! thank you for this idea of wearing the swimsuit even in winter 😉
Sometimes I have to remember to say yes more to keep the peace. : )