Last Sunday, Emily’s family had a big picnic in the park. Her father and mother woke up early to prepare the food. They packed sandwiches, fruit, and juice for everyone. Emily’s brother, Jack, and her sister, Lily, helped by putting plates and cups into a basket.
Emily’s little baby cousin, Max, came too. He was the youngest in the family and made everyone laugh with his big smile. Emily loved being an older child because she could help take care of him.
Her son and daughter—wait, those words were funny to Emily. She was just a child, but she liked pretending her toys were her own children. She told her mother that one day she wanted a son and a daughter just like in the stories.
The park was full of people enjoying the sunny day. Emily’s uncle Peter and aunt Sarah brought a big blanket to sit on. Her cousin Oliver came with them, and they played catch together. Soon after, her grandmother and grandfather arrived, carrying a basket of fresh bread. Emily ran to hug her grandmother, who always told her the best stories, and her grandfather, who always made funny faces.
Everyone sat together. The parents chatted while the children played nearby. Emily’s father poured juice for everyone, and her mother handed out sandwiches. The baby tried to grab a piece of bread, making everyone laugh again.
After eating, the children played hide and seek. Emily hid behind a tree with her sister, while her brother counted loudly. Her cousin Oliver found them quickly, but they all laughed and ran to hide again.
Later, Emily’s grandmother told a story about when her father and uncle were little children. She said they used to climb trees and sometimes got into trouble. Emily’s grandfather nodded and said, “Yes, and your mother and aunt loved to bake biscuits when they were your age.”
As the sun began to set, the family packed everything away. Emily helped her parent carry the basket back to the car. She held the baby’s hand while walking with her brother and sister.
At home, Emily thought about the day. She was happy to have such a big, loving family—her father, mother, brother, sister, baby cousin, son and daughter dreams, uncle, aunt, cousin, grandmother, grandfather, her parent, and all the other children she loved spending time with.
She smiled and thought, “I can’t wait for the next picnic.”
