“Splash!”
“Splash!”
“Splash!”
“Splash!”
Then a big splash for Mom and a bigger splash for Dad, and the Murrays were in for the first swim of the season.
The water was cooler than they expected. Mom called it cold, and Dad called it bracing. Far over on the western shore the sun went down behind the purple woods, and the swallows dipped close to the water and then up again.
“Look at the swallows,” called James. “They’re dive bombing.”
“They’re dive bombing, all right,” said Daddy, “but their targets are only mosquitoes.”
“Last one out is a bum,” called Mom, and her wet brood followed her out like ducklings follow the mother duck.
The contents of the picnic baskets were spread on the long table, and Janie’s cake was the center of attention. It was covered with pale pink frosting, and she had garnished the edge of the plate with pansies and maiden hair fern. They waited expectantly while Janie cut slices for Mom and Dad and the boys and a good sized slice for herself. Mom took the first bite.