Robbie's Home!

Safe and sound and having enjoyed a rainy week at camp. Really did enjoy it too. The counselors all said that the kids were not fazed by the weather. I am glad. I know he has looked forward to this all year.

KC and Elisabeth were sooooooo eager to get to the conference center and get him. KC made him a welcome home poster last night with some stick on letters we got at Michaels. It was really cute. Then he put a scratch art picture on the poster board as well that said "I heart Robbie. Love KC"

KC was also the first one to spy Rob when we arrived. Threw his arms around his brother and said he was the "most awsome-est brother in the world." Lissa gave big hugs too and Rob even hugged both K and I. He is not always comfortable with physical demonstrations of affection so it felt extra good.

We got home and I plowed through 5 loads of camp wash. Phew! Thanking the goddess for sun and a stiff breeze I hung 3 of the loads on the clothes line. Haven't had much ability to use our clothesline in this rainy season but today was gloriously beautiful. I also aired the sleeping bag and his pillow before putting them where they belong.

After supper we walked to a park 1/2 mile from our home. Not the tot park that we normally go to but the one near an elementary school. The kids all had a blast in the slightly different environment and ran and romped and tried out the new equipment that has just been installed there.

When we got home they made napkin rings and placemats for our BBQ tomorrow. It will be a 4th of July get together one day late with our friends who are also the kids god parents. The napkin rings are sections of paper towel tube painted silver. (painting by me) Then the kids glued patriotic ribbon on them and adorned them with red and blue foam stars. The place mats are large pieces of rectangular foam from Michaels with stickers appropriate to the holiday making a border. Easy for all ages but fun and quick, since they had to make 8 of them. It was a good way for Rob to integrate back in with the other kids though and they all seemed to enjoy it.

I am trying a new pasta salad dish that I read the recipe for on Pioneer Woman. I am hoping it tastes good. I have never liked pasta salad but think that is because it usually consisted of cold pasta with peas and catalina dressing dumped on it till it begged for mercy.

We will be grilling up some veggie and mushroom burgers, having chips and dip, potato salad and pound cake for dessert. The recipe for the latter comes from the Jan Karon Mitford cooking book and it is to die for delish. It should be called ton cake though as one would weigh that if one ate more than a piece or two! LOL

Oh and in the a.m. the kids and i will make fresh lemonade as well. I think in a lot of ways we will be celebrating more than the fourth. It will be more about the feeling of family and love and connections.