Then the kids found the little drainage ditch we used to jump over on dares when I was little and they had to check it out.
That is when it happened. Hidden in the mud was a Yellow Jacket's nest. Colin was stung 5 times. Allison was stung twice and Jason once. I was standing on the board walk waiting for them when the screams started. Jason pushed Lauren to me and went to help and was stung in the process of patting down their clothes. Lauren and I escaped, although Colin thought that it was my job as Mommy to stand In front and be stung. That was a hard pill to swallow no matter how irrational. (I know it wasn't my fault but you should have heard him and seen his face; I let him down.).
But the pain numbed, tears dried and we played on the playground for a few minutes trying to salvage the memory. As you can see I got some smiles.
Upon closer inspection you can see Allison's hand is swelling and her cheeks are very rosy. However I promise you in natural light I did not notice it. She is always red faced when she is out in the heat (I blame Jason.) By the time we got home, she had hives from head to toe and her hand was twice its normal size. As it turns out she is allergic to Bees and we now have to carry a shot around with us were ever we go. I can't remember what scripture we read or exactly what we ate on the picnic. I didn't even remember that we took pictures until I was scanning our files for the Church's annual review slide show.
Many things have happened since then. We have had a fourth child, survived the first year of Middle School, traveled, learned, loved and played. Allison has not been stung since so we have never had to use her shot but she still carries it with her. Life goes on and we keep up. And sometimes we can see Heavenly Father smiling at us. . .
Remembering fondly,
Anna Christine
