Many hands soon turned out stacks of warm, sweet-smelling shapes.
And then it was time to add the decoration
in red, white and blue icing.
Soon the table was full of stars and liberty bells.
Really, such hard work should be rewarded--with a cookie!
Far across the Griffy Reservoir we spy tiny dots of orange.
They paddle closer and voices shriek across the quiet water.
It's the Junior Rangers coming back from a two hour paddle - for many of them, a first time experience in a canoe.
It wasn't a race, of course.
You can see our theme...besides PINK of course.
A summery table set on the back porch
with a drink for her
and a drink for him
(That flip-flop's really a plate)
The tiny coca-cola glasses and the citrus plates decorate another picnic-y setting.
We wouldn't forget to make an addition to the frog collection. Hope all this doesn't blow around too much before she comes home tomorrow night.
We had to set up the hammock under the apple tree since the big maple is gone from the back yard. Two people in the hammock made for some serious balancing problems.
It's not only fun to eat watermelon - it's a vacation photo-op.
Today they started Junior Ranger Summer Camp at the lake. A week of hiking, boating, and games in the woods. 
or hunting for frogs.
Amazingly, this Junior Vacationeer has caught five little frogs.
One escaped, but the other four are enjoying an aquarium habitat under the pergola.
We discovered that two dollars doesn't go very far unless you are buying cucumbers (only 50 cents each!). Who wants to buy cucumbers when there are such things as lovely bouquets and little bears made of wax?
Still, we enjoyed the free sights and scents and sensations and the adults got fresh tomatoes for tonight's salsa.
Sarah took this picture - a clever way to bring eggs to market.
We especially liked the way this artist recycled odds and ends into sculptures. Think we could find some old brushes and strainers and sunglasses and make some too?
And we loved the delicate work of the artist who made items covered with a special coiled clay. Everything was SO lovely and SO tempting and SO much more than $2.00.
The Vacationeers could hardly wait to get wet! This is 9:15 A.M.
And with this cleaning comes the exited expectation that the European Vacationeers will soon be here.
Sure it takes up dirt, lots of dirt, and that's a good thing. But I expected more. I wanted the stains to disappear. I wanted the carpets to LOOK clean, not just BE clean.
Phooey.
Granddad enjoyed the best gift of all...
and just dive right in fist first.
Be prepared to open wonderful presents
and you don't have to share them with your friends
This is a time for indulgence!
Got it? I thought so. Have a great day!
The flowers that Mimi cut from the farm have faded. Weren't they pretty? Wish I had pictures of the vases of peonies as well as this one with mock orange and iris.
The champagne bottles are emptied. Note the amphibian theme here.
The crown of laurels, duly won and worn, has been set aside as the Bloomingtonauts depart on yet another adventure.
True to form, the skies opened for a thunderous storm as they drove down the driveway. 
Downstream from us, it's a different story. Recognize Grant Street?
So I'm sticking lots in this post just to catch up, even though each event deserves its own thoughtful essay. If anyone wants details just let me know.
There was the beautiful wedding (and the bridesmaid who spent the night with us)
And, yes, the bride really did sit on the bicycle bar in that fabulous dress and the groom really did pedal off with the Guiness cans clanging behind them...
There was the unexpected out-of-town company, the tornado, the flood, the storms, and the big bash celebrating....
the new Ph. D.!!!
Now you are all caught up, and I have champagne glasses to wash.
