Groompa Camp - Day 2

We had beautiful weather for our second day of camp! And that meant we could do outdoor activities. But first we had to wake up after our late night of  popcornpalooza.

We began the day by stealing Ian away from Curt so he could help his cousin, Holly, and her husband move. (They're moving to Urbana where Brad is part of the band, Elsinore.) Well, actually, I stole the baby while JC and Trinity slept in.

 Look who was happy to help out, even though she herself was still in her jammies!

 She is such a good cousin, and it warmed my heart when she began making suggestions for things to do with Ian when it was his turn to come to Groompa Camp!

Just before lunch, we returned Ian to his daddy and then helped Boompa take his car to the Institute for the new guy to use. That means Craig is now car-less until we can find another one to buy. But no worries - I'll share mine.

A quick lunch, and then it was off to Prophetstown to enjoy the new water park.

 The double slide is the dominant feature.

 There's a lazy river complete with overhanging water showers that pour water on you as you float by.

 A nice concourse plus a zero depth pool, a water-basketball court, and a giant bucket that was constantly filling and tipping (my favorite thing to watch.)

The water park was huge - there was lots of space and I was able to set up my camp chair under a huge shady tree and read while JC and Trinity splashed.

I was impressed with their sense of responsibility. At 13 and 11, and being good swimmers, I felt comfortable letting them wander where they wanted. All I asked is that they check in with me every half hour. And they did. ON THE DOT. So naturally I bought them ice cream when we left.

We detoured to Granny Slash's home and whisked her away with us. A fairly new soccer fan, she wanted to watch the USA men's national team take on Belgium in the World Cup.

 Our whole family gathered around the living room to watch.

Look at that intent look!

The game went 0-0 and then into two fifteen minute extra time periods. Belgium won 2-1, but it was a terrific game. Our keeper, Tim Howard, made 16 saves - he was phenomenal!

For dinner, Curt, Vanessa, and Ian joined us for grilled kielbasa, hotdogs, and burgers done up by Boompa, JC, and Lisa. I love summer evenings gathered around the dining room table for food and laughter!

An annual Groompa Camp tradition is camping in the back yard with Uncle Curt and Aunt Vanessa. With Ian added to the family, they did some urban camping at Uncle Curt's home in downtown Lafayette instead of our back yard.

The outdoor courtyard behind their home and in the back you can see the large lawn they have to the side of their home. 

 JC and Trin set up the tent by themselves.

 After all, they're experienced campers now that they live in Colorado!

Another favorite tradition of Groompa Camp - s'mores!!

 As it got dark, Curt lit a fire in his Webber grill.

And then we commenced another tongue-in-cheek tradition...

Playing with fire...

 ... and sharp things! You know, things to "needle" (haha) the parents of the campers!

Uncle Curt and Aunt Vanessa have a special treat for breakfast (or so they say)...

Strawberries! Growing right in their lawn. (Going to take quite a few to fill up those kids!)

Finally, around 10:00 Boompa and I took our leave and headed home. Day Two of camp was a blast - looking forward to the third one!