This story is set after Season Seven, when the children are older. Michael and Christine are seven, while Maddie is five. The beginning of the story is just background information, who the characters are etc. The next chapter will get into the plot line.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bones.

It was a warm summer afternoon. Angela hummed to herself as she prepared a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. She turned and looked over her shoulder at the kitchen table. Michael had a thin water color paint brush in his hand, and was coloring his yellow giraffe. Christine, his best friend and Booth and Brennan's daughter, sat next to him. From the edge of the wooden table Angela could see a pink flamingo coming to life on her page. Madison, or Maddie for short, was Michael's five year old sister. She was kneeling on another chair across from the two older children. In her hand, Maddie held a bright purple crayon. A silly grin was plastered on her face.

Michael and Christine were telling jokes to each other. Michael's eyes sparkled, and he began another one,

"Why did the chicken cross the playground?" He asked Christine, grinning to himself.

"Umm, I don't know," She replied, "Why?"

"To get to the other SLIDE" Michael answered, giggling wildly. Christine smiled as well, and little Maddie clapped her hands together.

"Alright kids, enough jokes. It's time to eat," called Angela. She had set up the circular dining room table with spaghetti and red sauce, bread sticks, and a garden salad.

"Yum," Hodgins said as he came through the front door. He inhaled deeply and the looked to his gorgeous wife. Angela and he embraced for a moment, and he snuck a quick kiss before the children attacked him with hugs.

"Up Daddy," yelled Maddie, thrusting her tiny arms upward. Hodgins grabbed his baby girl, and placed kisses all over her face. She squealed, and kicked to be put down. Grinning, Hodgins pulled out a chair from the table and took a seat. Michael and Christine appeared from the kitchen, their hands covered in paint.

"Daddy," said Michael, his face lighting up. He ran to hug his dad. Hodgins scooped Michael up, kissed his hair, and then set him back down. "Buddy, look at your hands," Hodgins grinned, "better go wash up."

"Okay, okay" said Michael, he and Christine galloping off to the bathroom to wash up.

Finally, the entire Hodgins family, including Christine, was seated around the table. Hot steaming food was passed around, and lots of laughter and stories were exchanged. Bellies were slowly filled, and eye lids drooped.

Around eight o'clock Brennan arrived to pick up Christine. "How was the play date," Brennan asked looking at Christine's tired face. "It seems like it was a very good way for her to get rid of excess energy, while continuing to develop her social and mental skills."

"Yes Sweetie," Angela chuckled, "Michael and Christine had a blast."

"I don't seem to understand what you mean. How did the children 'have a blast'?"

"Oh never mind," Angela said rolling her eyes, "See you on Monday, bye-bye"

"Bye," Brennan replied before picking up a sleepy Christine and heading to her car.

Angela closed the door and sighed to herself. It had been a busy day for the children, and both looked exhausted. Michael and Madison were carried to their bedrooms, and despite their tiredness begged their parents to read to them. After three books each, both were tucked in, and then kissed by both Hodgins and Angela. Finally, Angela and Hodgins retreated to their bedroom. Both parents were exhausted from the zoo in the morning, and a play date in the afternoon. Angela crawled under the covers and after kissing Hodgins, turned off the light and fell asleep.

How was it? Good, bad? Review if possible, and beware for a lot of angst.