wide open spaces

May 2039 - Caroline and Charlie Wilder are 37, Riley and George Smith are 14, Laura is 10, Michael is 6, Andrew is 4, Rose is six months.

Since the birth of their daughter Rose, the Wilder farmhouse is overflowing with kids. Baby Rose doesn't even have a bedroom; Charlie set up her crib at the end of the upstairs hallway, right outside her parents' room.

Caroline can't believe it's been fourteen years since they had their first child. She was so young when she had Riley, being a mother was so new and overwhelming. But with her fifth child motherhood is second nature.

Things are also easier now that the older kids can help take care of the younger ones. Riley is a big help with her little siblings.

Michael helps out by playing with his little brother Andrew. They're only two years apart, and they get along well.

May is a busy time on the farm. The garden is full of plants that need to be tended. Caroline sets up Andrew and Rose outside so she can keep an eye on them while she weeds.

Charlie and Caroline both work hard in the garden, but Caroline has a magic touch with plants. She can perk them up just by talking to them.

All of the kids help out on the farm. Even little Michael helps by composting the garbage.

But mostly the kids can just play. Riley, Laura, and Michael are fishing in the pond in the backyard, but they aren't having much luck.

"There aren't any fish," Michael complains. "You're supposed to go fishing when it rains."

"I'm bored," Laura says.

Laura and Michael give up on fishing and play catch instead.

It's a beautiful day, no chance of rain, so they bring the kite outside. Laura thinks Michael is too little to fly the kite, so he just watches.

Later in the afternoon, George Smith comes over. He and Riley have been best friends since they were toddlers, and they recently started dating.

They have eight younger brothers and sisters between the two of them, so finding time alone can be difficult. But they've gotten pretty good at sneaking off together.

Even though things are hectic during the day, they quiet down a lot at night. Every night while Caroline and Charlie get the little kids ready for bed, Riley goes for a quiet jog with their dog. She loves being a big sister, but it's nice to have time alone.