Cake and Fire

2007 was a big birthday year—Melis turned 25; Me–30; Mom–50; Granny–70; Great-Granny– 88! Since we had lots of celebrating to do, I came home for an August visit and a surprise BBQ to celebrate the big 50/70.

Mom's Darth Vader cake. :)

BINGO was a hit!

We had a fun (though rainy) day picnicking over at the Columbia Grove in Brandonville, PA. There was lots of good food and good laughs. The beers were sliding and we found out that Rolling Rock Longnecks make great microphones. Right, mom? ;)

A great afternoon hike through some beauteous, familiar woods at Locust Lake. The trail follows a creek through a mature Hemlock stand and also passes a neat rocky outcrop.

The weeks before I arrived in Pennsylvania, the weather was sunny, hot and humid. But, our annual camping trip to Locust Lake wouldn't be complete without pissing rain. So, we donned our raingear and made the best of it! We = Troopers

My funny Mom noticed this cute-faced rock. Is that a rock Yamaka?

Tree with a hole in it.

We had a scavenger hunt in the woods along the creek the morning we packed up to leave. The kids had a good time and we used the objects we found to get crafty. We're only one letter away from writing out both of the buddies' names. :)

Sierra's second "R".

Damian's second "A".

We weren't surprised that the sun hid for 4 days and peeked out right as we drove away from our cleaned-up campsite. We did manage a nice hot fire for cooking despite all the wet. Can you say accelerator?

My dad also celebrated a birthday while I was home. There was definitely NOT a lack of cake on this trip.

Hot dog hot spot.

We spent our last night in Bechtelsville with Tom's family and the jackass crew for white trash weekend. Big fire, cold beers, camp dogs, Zern's, dirt track races, lightning storm—a fun-as-hell finish to this week spent at home.