The hour after the kids walk off the bus ends up being the most busy and chaotic of the day. I sit at the table helping everyone with their homework, as we munch on snacks and talk about the day. Most the kids are done in a flash and they head off to do reading and chores.

This girl is at the table far longer than the others. Long enough that that the once chaotic kitchen turns quiet as everyone disperses to play. And then the sun starts to stream in and it always ends up being my favorite light. Hallie sitting at the table with my favorite warm light is a picture I couldn’t refuse. And then she asked why I was watching her do her homework. Because it’s peaceful among a house of crazy!

Childhood is short.