Once upon a time.. In a beautiful forest, lived a little mouse, he was a very sweet little mouse, and a funny little mouse, but...he was a curious little mouse, and he was fascinated by the world..He especially loved when the warm summer air filled his bedroom through the open windows, and the sound of blue songbirds enchanted the forest like magical instruments, It was a time when the sun woke up early and transformed night into day by artfully painting the sky into a beautiful collage of crimson, gold, bright pink, and orange...It was his favorite season because he too loved to wake up early, and discover new adventures that awaited him..As he got out of bed he could already hear his mother singing in the kitchen as she prepared Sunday brunch... His mother was a very accomplished cook, she always prepared the most delectable meals, but his absolute favorite was when she made her famous Cuban avocado and bacon pancakes...she mixed the batter...and sprinkled it with the wild herbs Haxley had picked the day before until it was thick and delicious, it was her secret receipt she learned from Haxley’s grandmother. His mother told him that one day she would teach him how to make them too, when Haxley asked what made it a secret recipe...she smiled and said.."Of course the secret ingredient is LOVE!" Haxley knew she must be right, because something very special was put into his mother’s receipt to make the pancakes so irresistible!...Haxley happily helped his mother set the table outside under the large white gazebo, and as the early morning drifted away and a sunny noon approached Haxley went and picked the prettiest daisies and lilies to fill the crystal vase, He was excited about seeing his friends for brunch...he knew Fiona the fox would bring her yummy strawberry jam, and Gloria the chicken always made the most splendid tomato & basil quiche...it was a tradition at Haxley’s house to invite his friends over for brunch, and spend the humid summer afternoon in the cooling shade of the large willow tree in their backyard...from outside he could hear the doorbell ring as the first of the guests started to arrive, he could hear his mother warmly welcoming them, she loved to entertain, and Haxley knew he inherited his love of cooking, and sharing meals with his friends from his mother...Haxley was happy to see many of his friends...he smiled and hugged them as they came into the yard, He proudly showed them the garden he and his mother planted. He was thrilled to point out the huge tomatoes that they grew. They chatted about their summer, and adventures that filled their long summer days...He heard his mother calling them to the table, and he sat in his usual spot, it was a warm summer day...and the large blazing sun filled the sky above the treetops...as the dishes were passed around the table Haxley licked his lips with anticipation, everything looked so delicious..Especially the pancakes! After brunch Haxley and his friends lounged under the cooling shade of the willow tree. The afternoon had become sweltering hot and the morning breeze had vanished. The air was humid and thick perfumed with the sweet scent of roses that grew in the flowerbed. Fiona suggested they all go for a swim in the frog pond, Haxley thought it was a great idea, and he went in the house and grabbed enough towels for everyone. They thanked Haxley’s mother for a wonderful brunch and made their way to the pond. Gloria the chicken ran and jumped into the pond with a big SPLASH, wetting Haxley and his friends. "I bet you can’t make a bigger splash then me!" she challenged. Fiona ran and jumped in..Splash...then Haxley followed..(little splash) Gloria was right, her splash was the biggest...they swam and played in the pond, it was cool and refreshing and lots of fun! The air got thicker, and the wind started to blow and before they knew it they were caught in a rainstorm. They jumped out of the pond and hid under the big oak tree, but it was no use they were already wet.."It’s not summer until you get caught in the rain" Fiona said with a smile as she ran from under the tree and danced in the rain...the rest followed her. The frogs looked on with curiosity at first, and then with amusement, they started to sing..They provided the music for the wet dancers! It was a wonderful, spontaneous tribute to celebrating summer. Because after all life isn’t about waiting out the storms, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain!. And Haxley and his friends shared a memorable afternoon that day together..