Sounds

Happy small children on the porch, playing in the water; happy visiting Oma on the porch, "supervising."

Alternating between spraying and splashing the cat, the house, Oma, and each other.

Shrieks of laughter mixed with thudding footfalls on the water-darkened wood.

The youngest calls out for a diaper change as the eldest runs to the fence giggling.

Back in the water, they talk rapidly back and forth about everything and nothing.

Shouted observations about cold water, sinking boats, and "Daddy, look at me!"

In and out of the water; in and out of the house; in and out of clothes and towels.

Treasuring the sounds, knowing it will be a long year away from home.

Wondering what other sounds I will miss.  The laughter, the shrieks, the "Daddy, look at me!"'s.

Thankfully, it is only one year.