Columbia

We got to the Lovejoy's house on Sunday afternoon, a hot and humid Columbia greeted us. The kids have been in and out of the pool constantly of course, but last night was the adventure.:)
A huge storm blew in, sending everyone out of the pool. Dramatic lightning and thunder kept a rapt audience on the porch. A few of us daring mother nature and running out into the downpour to splash for quick moments before running back onto the porch before the next round volleyed through. Water was washing in streams across the yard and absolutely POURING off the roof.

Not long after it started, we heard a funny crackle sound and the electricity died. Kelly had impeccable timing and pulled dinner together right before the stove was unusuable. We ate and played, then blew bubbles in the backyard. They smelled like orange creamsicles! I started shooting pics in that hazy, warm light that can happen in the evening after a storm. Bubbles were covering the grass, it looked magical! I love hanging out with unschoolers...there were teens and small people all together, blowing bubbles, laughing and having fun. Later, we played "Apples to Apples" and once again, everyone was included and happy. I grumped at Jalen a bit after shining the flashlight in Cameron's eyes once again and Cameron corrects me gently saying "he didn't mean to Ren" :) So sweet. They all look out for each other.

It was a beatiful scene, candles glowing at a low table, the game spread out and all these happy kids of all ages circled around and just BEING. Things wound down and everyone went off to bed in the dark house, full of good food and happy feelings.
In the middle of the night I heard the loud beeping of a truck backing up and lights filled the room. The electric company had come!! We would have waffles for breakfast after all.

Kelly is quite a hostess, feeding us blueberry muffins (yeah, fresh-picked blueberries from her yard), waffles and other yummy breakfasts. She ruined my kids on our last visit two years ago, now they expect homemade brown sugar syrup when I make pancakes....next, fresh blueberries! I need to encourage our wee little plants to GROW.

All of my kids have decided the bees are REALLY incredible and have agreed to help me get our hives set up. It's the most fascinating hobby. I can't wait to have our own. We watch them off and on, try to save them from the pool and ask a million questions which Kelly patiently answers.

Enjoying a quiet, lazy day watching tv and playing "scene it" today. I've had enough Harry Potter trivia to last the rest of the year. Saving up energy for tomorrow's unschooling pool party!