I was driving the radishes to school yesterday, explaining that I’d be going on an airplane to California for two days, when Lucas’s lower lip started to tremble. "No, no, it’s okay. Mama will be back in two days. You can see me on the computer." Then he lost it, big fat tears.

"I want to go on airplane with Mama!"

"No, sweetie. You get to stay and play with Papa, Abigail, Norma, Megan, and Bikini."

"Noooooooo!" Inconsolable. I’m sure he’s over it by now, and maybe I shouldn’t have said anything at all. I was trying to let them know without making it a big deal.

"I understand that you sad, but Mama will be back soon, and I’ll even be bringing back toys. What would you like Mama to bring you?"

"A snake," Abigail chimes in.

"A snake?!" When Lucas hears me say this, he laughs.

"And how about you Lucas?"

"A turtle."

"A snake and a turtle it is."

"No, a snake and mouse for Abby," Abigail says.

"No, you each only get one animal."

She thinks on this, then says, "Okay, Mama. Abby wants one farm."

Lucas says, "Lucas want one airplane with Mama."

A YEAR AGO: Mulberry, Downtown Austin
2 YEARS AGO: QA With A QT
4 YEARS AGO: Edit
5 YEARS AGO: Upper East Side, A Names, Purple