A Pattern of Words

Once a year, every summer, our four-kid gang grows by one with the addition of our favorite redheaded niece. The first time we did this, P resented being bumped out of his oldest child status. As the years have rolled by, however, his delight has grown as he’s realized the benefits of having someone else not only take over first kid responsibilities, but also willingly teach and play any and all games, activities, and high jinxes. This was the year of magic tricks. A deck of cards seemed to spill from room to room and every few hours someone was asking me to pick a card or watch their hands.