Poignant Moment

I just witnessed one of the saddest things I think I've ever seen in my own family.

The kids are outside playing in the pool and on the swing set.  They are a little too quiet so I go to check out the window like I always do.

I see the toys strewn across the lawn, having been left.

I see the pool overflowing with water from a forgotten hose.

I see the swings swaying in the wind.

But I don't see my children.

And then I find them as I scan the backyard.

They're next to the fence, hands at the 10 and 2 positions holding onto the chain links.  They are standing stock still and staring into the neighbor's yard where a little girl plays with her dog.  Their heads move back and forth watching the girl and her dog run around laughing and jumping.

See?  It was a bit sad as a mom and I am now determined that even if we don't get a dog when we move to Hawaii we will be getting some sort of pet for the kids.