walk to the bus stop

This afternoon was a beautiful fall afternoon in Ohio.  The sun was shining and the temperature was just right.  Around 3:30ish, I decided I would walk with our puppy to the bus stop to get Gracie and Emma off the bus.  I usually drive up to the bus stop out of convenience, but decided it would be a good day to walk. Lily was tired and resting on the couch, so she stayed home (Ryan was working at home today, so she wasn't alone).  As I walked up to the bus stop, I admired the changing leaves and was looking forward to seeing the girls.  I thought they would be excited to see that Sugar and I had walked to the bus stop and I'd get to hear all about their day on the way home.

Then the bus pulled up and it was back to reality.  They both got off the bus and crossed the street.  Emma gave me a smile while Gracie looked a touch grumpy.  Both girls immediately thrust their backpacks at me.  They told me that they were WAY to heavy to carry all the way home.  Gracie grabbed the puppy from me and ran to catch up with her friend, Julia.  So much for hearing about her day.  Emma whined a little about having to walk home - she had to go potty and she was tired from her school day.  Oh, I forgot to mention that both girls informed me that they were starving!  My June Cleaver moment was falling apart.  Then out of nowhere, Emma grabbed my hand and held my hand the rest of the way home.   That sweet gesture melted my heart.  Those are the moments I live for.  They don't last long and they don't happen all the time, but when they do, they make my heart happy.

I'm thinking though, that tomorrow afternoon the pack mule will be back to driving her mini-van up to the bus stop.