And the band plays on

Who camps out in their own backyard? Let's see... people who have three-year-olds who don't quite get the concept of camping? People who aren't that into camping and are looking for an easy out? People who want cheap thrills without putting out too much of an effort? You're getting warmer and warmer.

Saturday afternoon we pitched a tent in the back nine and got ready for some home-grown thrills. Luke was beyond excited and promptly brought down just about every book in his (extensive) library so that he could read there all afternoon. Zach was excited, although he didn't quite know why or what to do about it.

As it turned out Luke and Dave were the only ones to sleep in the tent. Zach expressed an interest in sleeping outside, not in the tent but on the concrete patio; but when push came to shove, he decided that he'd rather go upstairs and be in his own bed. Fine with me. Luke and Dave managed to do just fine in the tent even with the somewhat loud shindig going on at the house next door.

Sunday we had an afternoon at the pool and then a celebration of Suzi's birthday with the family. Zach was a little loopy because he outdid himself at the pool and then never took a nap; by 6:30 pm he was a certifiable basket case. But he knew that we had brought frosted brownies for dessert, and for that reason he rallied himself to stay awake for the magical chocolate moment. After he had one serving he had his head on the table and was actually slurring his words but he managed to get out, "Mommm, I need more choc-o-late..."

Monday was our beach day and we gave Luke permission to have a drink sale down on the beach, on the condition that he pay for the supplies up front. He and I bought juice and water together (total $5.50) and then walked down to the corner store to buy some ice. When the total came up as $2.18, I heard him murmuring, "I'll need to get 68 cents." What? Turns out he had already calculated in his head that he owed me a total of $7.68, and he was holding on to seven dollars, and he realized he'd need to go back to his piggy bank to count out the change for me.

Down at the beach, after he got over a little initial shyness, he made a reasonable haul of $24 (after he had paid for all supplies). I sat next to him the whole time, and I didn't mind, because we were stationed right near the little ragtime band that was playing at the beach, and because it's fun just to listen to what he has to say.