poplar road

Part II: Fun!

After breakfast we said goodbye to Chad and Maria, who continued on their weekend bike trip, and Rob who had to get back to his regular work week in Washington State. Then while Pam, Cynthia, Bob, Dagny and I played some badminton out on the new concrete in front of the barn, the rest of the guys were inside, starting assembly of Richard’s 2-post hoist. Matt, who spent all of Saturday wiring the lighting, ran electrical for the hoist while everyone else put the thing together. The other gals found shady spots to sit and talk or read, and watch the kids play in the hammock. The kids were our clocks, letting us know when it was time to cook up the wings for lunch and head to the beach.

We spent the afternoon on the river, with the twins’ boat and kayak, and Dan’s amphibious Predator. By the huge smiles all around, I’d say people had a good time. Chris is very glad the boat was well used, because on their way home, someone stole it when they stopped in Merritt!

After dinner, we sat digesting our burgers and shakes, and the guys continued with the hoist installation. I couldn’t believe how bright it was in the barn with all the lights Matt finished wiring. Richard said he was too tired to express his happiness, but he looked pretty pleased as the hoist lifted the guys into the air. We squeezed a lot into one day, and yet everyone lingered by the fire for a few more laughs before bed.

So glad Pam and Rick brought their badminton set!

What are they all looking at? Ah. Toys.

Ben, Matt, Richard, Adrienne, Chris, Dagny, & Cynthia.

A day right out of an Impressionist painting.

Bob and the kids in the Olson boat – wave to Mom!

All the kids got a ride down the river.

Too cute. Look hun, crocs float!

Sharon, always with an eye on Olivia and Andrew.

Ben and Matt take the kayak for a spin.

Look at that smile!

If the water’s so warm, why are they screaming?

Bob says, “So you want a funny photo?”

Dan made quite a splash with his amphibious Predator.

Then Chris gave it the Olson touch – and drained the battery.

Andrew really wanted to join dad Pat up there.

Last thing Monday morning, up went Mechano!

Now that we've taken stock and nearly finished our cleanup, here is a short list to recap:

Lost: 1 boat

Found: 1 beading needle

Missing: 1 down duvet

20 lbs of chicken wings

15 lbs of french fries

and more than 90 bottles of water

Left over: 5 dozen eggs

about 60 ice cream bars

and a lot of bread

Total happy campers: 19 adults and 6 kids!