Summer for Sure

 

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of Summer and the weather did not disapoint.  We packed a ton of fun into a three day staycation.  Friday night as we raced home from work and school to make sure that patio was safe, the kids protected my patio perch with bows and arrows so not a single balloon was able to invade.  The TR ladies made their way north and we started relaxing properly.  The kids took turns improving on the slack line and we built a fire for smores.  At some point it was decided that the kids should sleep outside in the tent, a motif that would continue for the next several evenings.  We hit the thrift sales early on Saturday morning and scored a couple of treasures (e.g. a 4 boot drier, some polyester batting, a basketball, a model of the solar system and even some gnomes dressed like bikers).  A quick snack after treasure hunting and donned our "hike School" shirts from Grandprize and headed north to break them in on a wonderful little hike.  The mosquitos were out in full force and we had to run back to town for some bug spray.  A great time in the woods, with trilliums blooming and plenty of dappled sunlight before heading back with a short stop at A&W for rootbeer floats.  We planted the garden after a little more sustanence.  Saturday evening was going to be low key, but then we hit the ball diamond for some wiffleball, adults vs. kids style.  By the time we got back there was still enough sun light for some casting practice.  Earlier in the day I had cut out 4 plywood fish and nailed them to stakes.  The kids spent a good amount of time casting at the silohettes.  Their casting skills appear to be great.  The kids again choosing to sleep in the tent.  Merrick and I hung back Sunday, while the girls headed back to TR, and cut the grass and stained the fence.  While I was cutting the fence he worked on his fire starting skills and was able to start a great fire with only flint and steel.  A task I haven't been able to accomplish.  We then headed south as well and joined the girls and some friends for a nice grill out in the cool summer air.  The oldest slept on the trampoline and awoke to a slight sprinkle but their laughter implied it was all worth it.  We headed over to a nearby park and played a little boy v. girl kickball, and after the kids played on the playground for awhile we took a walk along the river.  The redhorse were active enough that we had to get into the current, so off with the shoes and into the cool crisp water.  At some point one of the kids thought they saw two snakes, which turned out to be lamprey in the 12-14 inch range.  We tried to catch them, but they are slippery little ropes of muscle.  A short walk through the covered bridge and we were back on main street in time for a short parade and some ice cream.  The day was slipping past so we headed back for some lunch and the kids played around in the afternoon sun, which even included a little football toss.