F*R*I*E*N*D*S

Live music has long been a passion. Since Austin, and my days at University of Texas, I have loved live music. It doesn't even have to be in a genre of my preference.. For instance, tonight at the Village Pavillion it was jazz. Not a favorite, but what an experience. The music played, the fire roared and the kids played.

We finally hooked up with a family we met last year and Princess Kickapoo 8 was able to play with a friend she met back then. We emailed her dad and let him know when we were going to be here, but they are moving into a new cabin and don't have phone (or cable, ie modem) yet, so they hadn't gotten the message. However, we have made contact and both Princess Kickapoo and Laughing Son 6 are excited since Princess Kickapoo's friend is a twin - with a BOY! which means a playmate for him...
Not to mention that Savannah's brother, Peyton made it to town today and Laughing Son 6 has literally been counting down days for that one... This morning, he came to me and said, "Guess what day it is, Mom?" I said, "Saturday." To which he replied, "Yes, it's Saturday!" I stared at him with a stupid blank look. "Yes, it is Saturday. We'll have fun today, won't we?" To which he replied, "Saturday mom! Today is the day Peyton comes!!" Silly me!

So, we headed down the mountain to the Village and listened to the band. There were lots more kids tonight than last night and lots more close to our kids' ages. Then of course, we ran into Kate and Bill (the twins) and then Savannah and Peyton showed up... Oh, but I haven't even mentioned Riley...

I look up from my chair during the 36 seconds I actually sat tonight and here comes Laughing Son 6 walking around the corner with this beautiful little girl, HOLDING HER HAND!! I tried to get a picture but missed that one... He spent some time chatting with her and her parents and eventually headed over to where Jethro and I were sitting. He introduces her to us, "Mom and Dad, this is Riley. She's 4. That's 2 years younger than me, like Dad is 2 years younger than you, Mom." (I quickly correct him... Dad's only 2 years younger than I am for 2 months per year, thank you very much!) Off they go to play on the scooters (this I have pictures of!) I met up with Riley's folks and they're here through July 4th (which we've heard is a pretty big deal up here) so I'm sure that you'll see/hear more of Riley!

Pix... Laughing Son 6 with Riley on scooters... Big Talker 3 while eating S'Mores started crying cuz he couldn't eat the marshmallow?? (still haven't figured that one out) then Dad helped him understand the marshmallow was IN the S'More... Mom and Drama Queen 5 taking a rest and finally, Jethro racing Big Talker 3.