Backyard Open House - Week of May 25th

Bed in Summer ~Robert Louis Stevenson 
In winter I get up at night And dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer, quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day.
I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people's feet Still going past me in the street.

Chris (photobombing),
Anna, Cam & good friend, Alex

And does it not seem hard to you, When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play, To have to go to bed by day?


As the days become longer, the activities can start later.  On Memorial Day, we happily hosted Anna's high school open house in our backyard.  As neighbors and forever friends, Anna's family has known Cam for his entire life.
The weather cooperated and from 5-8pm, Anna greeted 240 people!

Cam was introduced to the game 9 Square, which was set up in our backyard. 9 Square Website


The “king” serves the ball from the center square to any other square by hitting the ball up and out of the top of the center game square. Players must return the ball to another player’s square.  If a player fails to return the ball to another player’s square, that player is out. When a player is out, they leave their square and move to the end of the line. The other players advance to fill the square of the player who just got out.

After Monday's excitement, we celebrated Emma's birthday on Wednesday.  Cam wanted to give Emma a movie for her birthday.  To accompany that gift, we found some popcorn buckets, a favorite snack for both families.

Over the weekend, Chris was on a fishing trip with Emma's dad and they caught quite a few bass!

Ms. Ann hung out with her buddy Friday eve while Jane attended her cousin's wedding.  There may or may not have been some chocolate consumed!

On Saturday and Sunday, Jane and her helper son completed quite a few "clean up" chores at home.

After lots of working, Cam's favorite playmate came over.
Emma created a crown for Cam and deemed him "King Cam!"

Favorite "Cam Quote of the Week" after trying a granola bar for the first time...

Cam: "Mom, what is in it?"
Jane:  "Peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and oats."
Cam: quietly contemplating "Mom, I do not like oats."