Several years ago, I decided that Mother's Day is for hiking, on the theory that my then-whiny kids would be least likely to moan and whine on that day; other mothers might lounge around with breakfast in bed, but I always want to be outside. I pick an age-appropriate trail, try not to wince at their idea of trail mix (gummy worms, M&Ms, and jelly beans, anyone?), and head out.
Before you start rolling your eyes at yet-another-cute-kids-story, this diary isn't about kids, it's about a vernal pool.