This year our plans were very low-key. And I am sorry-not-really-sorry to say that I did not make any fancy red-white-and-blue desserts or decorations or even clothing for that matter. Just us, some pancakes, and a lake.
Well, to be more thorough, it went more like this: An early morning 5K run for Travis and I, making hash browns and buttermilk syrup (to go with the neighborhood pancake breakfast, of course - not pictured), a drive to the thriving metropolis of Lawrence, KS (our first time!), lounging on the beach and paddling kayaks in the lake with our dear friends, having strangers on the beach tell Travis, "You do know your son is chasing that snake, right?", sunscreen and bug spray (though sadly not enough to combat the infamous chiggers of the Midwest - we are all suffering immensely), sleeping in a tent without air mattresses because we are super campers like that, Troy's pet roly-poly named Winston, catching fireflies, really really terrible hot dogs roasted over an open fire, chased by really really delicious s'mores, and possibly the world's worst city-produced fireworks show ever (think very large gaps between single explosions - like, long enough to doze off, which happened), but awesome nonetheless because watching fireworks on the 4th of July is probably my favorite thing all year long. Oh and let's not forget the many, many trips to the outhouse because small children need frequent restroom breaks, and me subsequently trying to teach Troy how to pee standing up into the bushes. Because, you know, I know how to do that.... (?)
He thought Winston was in there. Later he tried to open his hands up so he could show me, and Winston was gone. He looked at me in awe with wide eyes and said, "Mom! Winston... disappeared!"
Travis actually IS an expert marshmallow-roaster, whose talents quickly became famous throughout the camp. But even experts are entitled to an occasional fail...
After church today, we finally launched our summer theme, which is cooking. Our goal is to choose a skill or goal or focus or some other specialty area for the summer, and this year was teaching the kids to cook/bake. We hadn't really done much so far, but tonight Kate transcribed a recipe as I told it to her verbally and then baked cookies entirely by herself (with some assistance from her sous-chefs)
Kate: [From the kitchen, baking] "Aren't you glad you married him? He is a good dad."
1 sweet nothings:
Despite chiggers, horrible hotdogs, disappearing Winstons, lame fireworks and burnt marshmallows, it still sounds like it was a rollicking, fun, Independence Day!!!! :)
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