Chapter 30

Dad reached into the pile of presents. “One for Lizzie and one for Dickey,” he said.

Lizzie had the paper off first but just sat and looked at the long tube in her hands. It was decorated with dragons.

“Let me help you with that.” I took the seal off one end and emptied the contents out: silk, sticks, and string. I unrolled the silk and showed her the ten-foot long kite. It was a fire-breathing dragon.

“I got one, too!” Dickey yelled.” His had a black background, Lizzie’s was red.

“We’ll have to take those out in the field tomorrow and watch them fly,” Richie said. “Those are great, Mish!” I could see that he’d have as much fun as the kids.

After that, everyone wanted to open Mishy’s presents. Dad had to put his sweater on right away, but Mom set hers aside to open the plates. Aunt Ellen kept gushing about her tea pot. They were the hit of the night.