Attack of the Killer Cicada

I love a quiet summer morning. The type where you can go onto the back porch in your pajamas, hair pulled into a scrunchie, see the children watch their cartoons through the window, admire the flowers you planted and sip a hot cup of coffee while it is still hot. Yes, I love those mornings.

Unfortunately, due to the arrival of cicadas; quiet is the last thing there's been around here.

If you don't know what a cicada is, take a good look at the picture (then silently scream as you think about the possibility that millions of those things are somewhere in your backyard). Believe it or not, as I did a search on Google I came upon a site dedicated to people who actually adore these little creatures. You must be kidding I thought. You can even buy mugs and T-shirts in their honor. I don't know about you, but there are a few other things I can think of that look better on a t-shirt than a cicada.

Anyhow, after a nice day of swimming two days ago, I took the boy's swimsuits and hung them to dry over the porch railing. I accidentally forgot about them, so they hung out there overnight. (no big deal...right?)

So this afternoon, Hubby decided to take the boys swimming. I nonchalantly grabbed the bathing suits and headed to the bathroom with Scooter to help him get ready. And that's when it happened! A cicada dropped out of his bathing suit and onto the bathroom floor.

Now, although the entire experience lasted less than two seconds; here is a blow by blow account from Mommy Maestro (A.K.A.- Mommy Drama Queen) for your enjoyment.

As I picked up Scooter's swimsuit, I felt something fall out near my foot. I looked down to see a bug measuring something like 2 ft long with a wingspan of an albatross (Cicada's actually measure no bigger than three inches. Try to keep in mind this is my dramatic telling). He lifted off the floor. The sound of helicopter propellers filled our entryway. I ran back into the bathroom with Scooter, closed the door, and yelled for Hubby.

As usual, Hubby came to my rescue....with a broom. Don't worry, he didn't kill it. He trapped it in a cup, showed it off to the boys (because that's what cool Dad's do) then released it back outside.

What a crazy day. Or should I say, what a crazy five seconds.

The moral of the story: First, keep your Hubby on retainer in case crazy creatures invade your home. Last, but most importantly: Bring those bathing suits in at night!