Dear Son #1, #2, & #3,
Spring has only been here a few weeks but I think it’s safe to say that it’s been the most exciting one you have experienced in a while. Not for me or Daddy, but for three boys obsessed with water, mud, and ice in large quantities, definitely. One of the best and worst things about our farm is that it is right by the river. You know this because of the amount of lectures you’ve had about going near the river. Since we moved here I’ve told you about the crocodiles, piranhas, and vortex whirlpools – anything to keep you away. But alas, when the river comes out of the river and right into our driveway, it’s game over.
With the combination of mountains of snow melting in one day followed by torrential rain, it was inevitable. And very messy. It was a stressful week as Daddy worked around the clock with the help of your uncles, Oma & Opa and some friends to keep the water away from the house and the other buildings on the property. Pumps were going day and night pouring an insane amount of water continuously into the fields and forest. The road had turned into a rushing river that you were absolutely forbidden to go “test the depth” in. We were constantly checking sump pumps, filling sandbags and moving things up high in the basement. Stress levels were on the rise, but for you, excitement levels were too.
On the day where the river peaked it’s highest, it washed away the road in front of the house. At this point no “normal” vehicles (even Mommy’s super-mini-van-mom-mobile) could get through at this part or further down where the water had risen high over the road. Because this wasn’t our first flooding rodeo, we had parked some vehicles at the end of the road so that we had options provided we could get there (kayak anyone?). So the day the road disappeared into the abyss, we had one option left to get you boys to school, the tractor. And trust me boys, if there’s one thing I am dedicated in doing, it’s getting you to school for the day. Thanks to Daddy and “Blueberry”, you got to school, on time. I’m pretty sure everyone in the school heard about the amazingness of this venture and your positively heroic efforts in getting to school that day.
As all good things must come to an end, thankfully this one did. Slowly the river came down with the snow all but gone at this point and the rain taking a much-deserved break. Daddy got caught up on sleep, Mommy’s blood pressure went down, and you got to experience the aftermath of what water can do.
In the span of one week, we have never:
Gone for so many walks around the property.
Discovered so much amazingness of nature.
Used the washing machine so much.
Since it was March Break, every day we went exploring. Many parts of the property we still couldn’t access, many parts we didn’t realize we couldn’t but now know, and many we could. We discovered all kinds of neat things that the river washed up including but not limited to: shells, driftwood, sticks, sticks and so many more sticks, and copious amounts of garbage. We explored puddles like we’ve never explored them before, some iced over enough that we could walk on, some (as Mommy discovered) that we could not walk on. We checked out crazy snow and ice formations as well as sand designs that the water left behind. We rescued toys, chairs, tables and a kayak and threw many rocks and sticks into mini streams and waterfalls. We got very muddy, sometimes very cold, and once or twice very wet. Every time we came back with flushed cheeks, pockets fulls of treasures, boots caked with mud and big smiles.
I’m thankful flooding season is (I hope!) done for another year. I’m thankful Daddy is so handy when it comes to water removal/deviation. I’m thankful we own a tractor and water pumps. I’m also glad that, thanks to you three, we were able to see the silver lining in what was a very stressful few days.
Now on to the next season and whatever excitement that will bring! Hopefully it’s a bit drier.
Love Mommy,
XOX
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