Sunday: camp begins

And now the Chicago young family's visit comes to an end. For some. Three of them will be returning home. Primrose stays on with me, entering a week of what has been affectionately called Grandma Camp. I can't quite give her a legitimate camp experience: cabins with bunk beds, lake swimming, archery, campfire songs, new friends. But, while her parents return to work (and her sister goes back to her daycare), I can look after the five-year old here, at the farmhouse and provide her with at least some activities that may be fun and a little different from her everyday repertoire.

But this comes later in the day. I start off with the usual -- animals, garden, breakfast.

The young family is here early. In time for a second breakfast.

A little hanging out time, and then we're off. We want to do a hike in our local park!  

(on the way to the park -- our local summer residents)

At the park, the observation tower is open. A rare event. We climb to the top.

And then we hit the trails. Especially interesting as they cut through a beautiful late summer prairie. Coincidentally, Primrose is in the thick of the Little House on the Prairie series of books. Did it look like this 150 years ago? Notably, there weren't mowed trails back then!

We pass a playground. Some in our small party show an interest in lingering.

No no, we have a meetup before us! Back to the car...

And then we head over to eat lunch, all families, together, at the Memorial Union.

(the big kids hit the big chair)

(brats, hot dogs, burgers...)

(it's raining a bit, but the kids dont mind...)

(ice cream, of course)

(they were giving out free color specs... all the kids got them)

And only then, after lunch, and adequate play time, and ice cream, do we make our way back to the farmette, where Primrose settles in for her stay with me while her sister and parents take off for Chicago.

It is Sunday and the tradition of Sunday family dinner continues. The Madison-based young family comes over to join Primrose, Ed and me for the evening meal.

(Castles were built, nails were painted, "mohawks" were created...)

(dinner for 8 tonight...)

(special permission to eat ice cream on the couch as Sparrow wants to share a favorite show with his cousin...)

And after the three cousins and aunt and uncle leave, Primrose and I settle in to read. Not too long tonight -- it's late and I want to start the week with a rested girl!

Goodnight to all..

With so much love...