Picnic Time for Anna Bear

I've learned that you can't tell a two-year-old anything—because they will remember exactly what you said and needle and needle you about what might have been an offhand idea, suggestion, comment, etc.

Which is how I found myself packing a picnic lunch for Anna and I today. Apparently I mentioned going on a picnic at the park at some point in the last few weeks and she has asked everyday if it's time for the picnic yet. And, we often sing the Picnic Time for Teddy Bears song, so I guess the idea has been top of mind for her.

Today she batted her big blues at me and said, "Mommy, maybe we could do something fun today like a picnic at the park maybe."  Having no other plans, I couldn't deny her. The one fly in the ointment? Rain. It has been iffy weather here these last two weeks and I just knew that if we packed up and headed to the park we would be greeted with a downpour. So, I convinced Anna that a backyard picnic was ideal for today.

For the picnic I decided to break out a new treat – Kool-Aid! Last weekend on a big grocery excursion Anna was "helping" and picked up two of the little packets (she goes for what's at her eye level...). The Kool-Aid pitcher mascot made her laugh and I thought, "Hey, it's summer. Let's get the good stuff."

I started questioning the idea as Anna helped me pour in the 1 cup of sugar the drink called for, envisioning a naptime battle with a sugar-charged toddler on my hands. But, too far too back out now. As you can imagine, it was a hit—especially when she discovered her tounge turned purple.

While it didn't rain, I am glad we didn't pack up and head to the park.  About 7 minutes into the picnic (after cup 1 of Kool-Aid had been consumed), Anna proclaimed it was "too hot to be outside," got up and went back in the house.

It was much nicer inside...