June 13, 2006

Tuesday we spent the morning looking at birds and playing outside. Eli was able to see many bird he'd only studied in books. For instance, we certainly saw a cardinal, a tufted titmouse, a grosbeak, blue jay, chickadees, goldfinch, and more. Packing was not too bad, though we filled an entire trunk of the car. Dad hooked up the wooden, screened door to keep the flies out of the basement. The moment I heard the BAM as it slammed shut, I could not believe the memories of my endless hours spent in that very basement. I had a quick excursion to the Cheese Shop for bread and butter gifts for my hosts. I left as Eva got a bunk on her head and curled up rocking in Grammy's lap.

I drove the troops to North Garden via Batesville, my favorite way to go. The farms were green and lush, the cows happy and well fed. Shu Shu and Mizar were patiently waiting for us. Grammy and Granddaddy took a little nap in the screened porch while Shu Shu pushed Eli in the swing, read books and played with the children. Soon Penelope, Amy, Sam and Sarah arrived. It was a sweet reunion of the cousins, just in time to decorate Eva's amazing pink birthday cake. The recipe from the Washington Post said you could not over decorate this cake, so the mini-chefs took the challenge. We celebrated in the dining room eating poached salmon, potatoes, and CAKE. It was a late night for the troops but there was finally two snoozing wee ones in our luxurious accommodations (Shu Shu's room). I took a quick hot tub soak and hit the hay.