“Dinner’s ready.”
Ivan walked towards her and followed her gaze to the horizon. It was indeed beautiful. “Haven’t had enough yet? How about we watch a sunset together someday?”
“Watching a sunset on purpose wouldn’t feel the same.” Jennifer took off her Bluetooth earphones and sat up. “Today’s dusk is truly beautiful, like a giant painting.”
“No matter how beautiful it is, it can’t compare to my wife.” Ivan gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Despite being married for many years, he still looked at her with affection.
“I heard there’s going to be a meteor shower tomorrow night. How about we invite everyone for a picnic and then camp in the valley?” Jennifer’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at him. “By the way, do you have to go to the office tomorrow?”
Ivan gazed at her warmly. “I was planning to, but I can reschedule. I’d rather spend time with you all.”
Nothing in this world is more important than his wife.
“Great! Thank you, Mr. Marsh!” Jennifer joked, then hugged him happily and looked up from his embrace. “Let’s bring the kids too; it’s been a while since everyone got together.”
“Sure.” Ivan lightly tapped her nose with his finger, his gaze deep and gentle. “Send a message to the group and see who can join us. We can discuss what to bring. If it’s Saturday, I think everyone will be free.”
“Okay.”
“Come on, let’s go inside for dinner.” Ivan wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulder and led her inside.
As they walked, Jennifer took out her phone and began typing a message, inviting everyone for a picnic and camping trip the next day to watch the meteor shower.
To her surprise, Monica and Claire responded almost immediately, expressing their excitement about the family outing.
Soon after, Mya, Agnes, and Summer also replied, saying they would bring their husbands and children along.
Ansel joined in too.
Taylor and Danielle each responded in turn.
Andrew and Elisa expressed their anticipation as well.
“Fantastic! Everyone’s coming!” Jennifer was overjoyed. “Mom, would you like to join us? We’re planning to camp tomorrow.”
Aubree smiled at her daughter-in-law while ladling soup. “No, no, you young folks enjoy yourselves. We elders won’t intrude; we’ll give you some space.”
“Daddy, Mommy, we can share a tent with Bell!” Alfie was very excited; it had been a long time since their last camping trip. “Diana and I will take good care of our little sister!”
“Sure.” Ivan patted his son’s head. “When you’re not with Mommy and Daddy, it’s your job to look after your sister.”
“Yes!”
Alfie and Diana were now in fifth grade, both nearly five feet tall and very good-looking-Alfie was handsome, Diana was beautiful.
Bell was five years old and already in kindergarten-a little beauty adored by both teachers and classmates.
That night, all the children were too excited to sleep. They had their own messaging group on their tablets where they discussed what toys and snacks to bring and whether they should fly kites-chatting even more enthusiastically than the adults.
The next morning, everyone started packing their things for the trip.
Some brought barbecue equipment, others brought food supplies, tents, picnic mats, tea sets, fruits-everything was prepared as if they were moving house.
Someone even brought telescopes and various stargazing instruments…
Each family’s SUV was packed to the brim as they set off with their wives and children…
Their destination was an incredibly serene valley. As everyone left their homes heading towards the same place, their faces were filled with relaxed joy and anticipation-it felt like a scene from a carefree adventure.
The children were especially excited!
The valley was a bit far from the city but offered an excellent environment for camping under the stars on the mountain or picnicking and kite flying on the grass below.
At this time of year, cherry blossoms were in full bloom halfway up the mountain-a sea of pink that was incredibly romantic.
The place was undeveloped and natural; few people knew about it.
A stream divided the valley in half, with some leisurely sheep grazing on the opposite meadow.
Ivan had brought Jennifer here a year ago; it was even more beautiful now.
Soon enough, cars began arriving one after another-a convoy of seven or eight luxury vehicles made quite an impressive sight.
Once out of their cars, the children ran excitedly across the meadow to play together-there were really more than a dozen kids making it lively indeed.
The adults exchanged simple greetings before starting to unload things from their car trunks…