Anna at 5:

When Anna and I took a 10-day trip to the West Coast just before her fifth birthday, she became very perturbed when she realized I'd rented a small midsize car for our travels between California and Arizona.

Sizing the Hyundai up in the parking lot, she told me it just wouldn't do.

"Mom, we need a van," she said.

"Anna, this is plenty big for us," I told her, a bit exasperated.

"But where will Dad and Brother and Zebra fit?" she asked.

Ah. I should have known she'd be inquiring about the holy trio.

Anna's imaginary friends had been with us for at least six months and had helped her through some anxious times.

I assured her that Dad could sit up front with me, and Brother and Zebra could squish in the back with her.

With Anna smiling, we were off on our adventure.

--Chris Harvey