Groompa Camp - Day Three

The happy campers nearly froze last night - temperatures got down to 54! Around 5:30 AM they all came in to get warm. JC went upstairs to his bed, and Trinity and Curt crashed on the living room floor.

The phone rang soon after - it was the hospital with the surprising news that Pooma was going to be able to come home instead of going into the nursing home to continue her recovery. Since Craig had to teach a class at 9:15, the kids and I zipped over to the hospital and got her checked out and then settled at home. (She was soooo glad to be home.)

We were in a bit of a crunch because Craig and I had dental appointments in Illinois. After a quick early lunch the four of us hopped in the car and headed west - arriving with just 6 minutes to spare!

I got a clean bill of dental health; Craig, unfortunately, has to have a root canal in the near future.

On the way home the Shelton Fireworks Store caught JC's attention (no wonder, you cannot miss the huge signs and the enormous building.) Softie Boompa pulled off the interstate, and forty-five minutes later, we had two grocery bags full of fireworks!

Since no one had been home all day, we decided to treat the kids to Dog and Suds - one of our favorite restaurants.

Sleeping Under the Stars

Tonight is the BIG NIGHT. The one JC has been requesting for months. Camping out in the back yard with Uncle Curt!

We borrowed a tent from the Connollys and Curt set it up in the back yard. The evening is chilly - I hope they are warm enough. JC and Trinity were practically dancing with excitement as they brought out pillows, blankets, flashlights, and other camping necessities.

I heard snatches of ghost stories wafting through the tent a little while ago - sure hope they get some sleep!

Day Two - Family Dinner

On the way home from Hershey, JC asked if we could invite "the family" over for dinner. I thought that was a great idea, so he got on my cell and called Granny Slash and Aunt Leslie to invite them. To all our delight, they were able to come!

It was Trinity's choice day, and I think she really surprised Aunt Leslie when she asked her to offer the dinner prayer. Aunt Les offered a lovely prayer - I think it is the first time I have heard her pray like that. Makes me smile just thinking about it.

And then we had a lovely family dinner. But wait, did we? Compare the pictures. In the second one, look at Granny Slash slipping Zeus a bit of pizza. Notice that, unbeknownst to Emily, Uncle Cole is dipping into her ice cream! JC acted as photographer, and I think they thought that he was done after the first picture. The end result was that he caught them being sneaky!

Day Two - Busy, Busy, Busy!

JC and Trin slept later this morning than yesterday - I think they were worn out. And after breakfast, they seemed happy to play Legos and Barbies, and just have some quiet time in the house.

We picked up lunch at McDonalds and took it to Trailshead Park. The day was gorgeous - high 70s and very low humidity. A siren began wailing in the distance while we were eating, and Trinity said, "Grammy, are you going to start praying?" I do pray for the people involved when I hear sirens, but I had forgotten that that had happened last year in their presence. Interesting that she would remember it, and makes me think how important it is that we set a good example always because kids are listening and watching us. Who would have thought that she would remember that very small incident?

After lunch we headed to Hershey so I could get some rubber bands for our tie dye activity and to let them play on the playground. I got out the camp chair I use for recess duty and sat in the shade while they clambered around the apparatus.

Then it was time to meet up with Aunt Emily and tie dye the camp tee shirts. (You can't have camp without a tee shirt to remember it!!) We spread out on the picnic table (after covering it in plastic) and got to work. Despite wearing gloves and being careful, we all have brightly stained fingers from the dye. Let's hope the shirts look as bright tomorrow when we unwrap them!

Groompa Camp - Monday Late Afternoon

We'd bought water balloons earlier in the day, and as soon as we got home from seeing the sights, we started filling them up. Of course, water balloons attract kids, and soon we had a bunch of the neighborhood boys and girls here, all eager to help with the ambush.

Uncle Cole was our first target. He works just a mile or so away, and was coming over for dinner. I wonder how it felt to be soaked by not only all those kids but his wife and future sister-in-law, too?? (I felt sorry for him so I tossed him a few water balloons to throw at his assailants.)

Then we refilled and waited for Curt. JC and a group of kids went down the street a bit to watch for the car. My job? Make the sound of a crow if he was on the way. (I can "caw" with the best of 'em!) Sure enough, his car was spotted rounding the bend, and I cawed the signal. The kids huddled behind a bush, with Emily and Vanessa peering through the leaves, ready to relay the "go get him!"

Curt got out of the car holding his laptop, so we let him get into the house (with a chorus of groans) to put it away before pelting him with the water. Of course, while inside, he took the opportunity to fill a large water bottle, so he had some defense.

100 some balloons later, the drenching was over. I made sure all the "neighborhood extras" helped pick up the broken balloons all over the yard, and then we went inside for grilled burgers, brats, and hotdogs.

I fell into bed and slept like a log! And so did JC and Trin - there were no early ups Tuesday morning!

Groompa Camp - Monday Afternoon

Boompa made us corn dogs and corn on the cob for lunch. Then we headed out to what has become one of JC and Trinity's favorite places - Prophet's Rock. Legend has it that the Prophet, Tenskatawa, stood on the rock and sang to and encouraged the Shawnee Nation and those who had aligned with them to go to battle against William Henry Harrison. The Battle of Tippecanoe ensued, and the Native Americans lost.

The kids love climbing the rock and exploring its mini-caves and crannies. There is a trail that goes up onto it - I can no longer climb, but Emily took JC up (Trin stayed with me - she didn't like the insects.) Emily is one of the most sensible people I know; I trust her completely. Had she not been along, JC would have had to stay with me at the base of the rock.

Next up was a trip to the Battlefield. We wandered the grounds, looking at the huge trees (many were present 200 years ago when the battle took place) and the memorial. Trinity took Emily over the "fence stairs" and JC was intrigued by the tree that grew around the fence. I love, love, love the photo of Trinity and Emily holding hands as they strolled the grounds.

After that, we went into the gift shop so see Uncle Rick who is the manager. He even pulled out a replica gun for JC to hold and gave me lots of information for my classroom. (I am excited to say that my students will be doing a blog in connection with the 200th anniversary of the battle this coming school year!)

Lastly we drove over the the Cairo Skywatch Tower and looked at that relic from the Korean War.

Next on the docket? Ambushing Uncles Curt and Cole with water balloons!

Groompa Camp - Monday Morning

I had planned to get some work done early in my office, but JC and Trinity popped into my room by 7 AM. Guess they were excited to get the day going! (So were Boompa and I!)

We started our day by heading with Boompa and Aunt Carla to the hospital to visit Pooma. (She's been in for a week with pneumonia.) JC chattered on and on to her, and I was afraid he would wear her out. But when I said we ought to leave, she asked us to stay and said she was enjoying the kids' company.

Next was a run to Target. I'd given the kids a budget for a new toy, and with Boompa's help, JC picked out some water guns, Nerf guns, and a small box of Legos. Trinity chose two stuffed dogs and had money left.

Camp isn't camp without a craft! Emily met us at the house and tried out the water guns with us. (Boompa admitted he'd slipped in a couple for himself - too funny!) Then we came inside and made water candles. They turned out really nice.

Ready for Family Prayer

Would YOU kiss these faces goodnight?? JC and Trinity found a couple of Uncle Cole's treasures, including his Russian silver fox fur hat and his Star Wars mask, and came down "ready" for family prayer.

Evening Fun

It was a lovely Sunday evening, so the family gathered on the front lawn to play a little bocce ball after dinner.

Joining us tonight were Granny Slash, Cole and Emily, Curt and Vanessa, and (of course) JC and Trinity.

Topping off the eveningwas the arrival of Aunt Carla!

And It Begins!

Groompa Camp began today! I met Todd and Sarah in Peoria where we did "the exchange." JC and Trinity are SO excited to be here. Trinity gabbed the whole way to Indiana, and JC gave me helpful suggestions as to what they wanted to do when they got to the house.

They expected an ambush from the uncles, so I quickly texted home to let them know. When we arrived, JC and Trin insisted on circling the house and peeking in the windows to see if they could tell where the ambush would happen before coming inside.

Of course, they saw nothing as Curt, Cole, and Emily were hiding in the upstairs bathtub. A wild chase ensued when the little kids discovered the "big kids'" hiding place.

Pictures: JC, Trin and I point to "Indiana" on my license plate, JC and Trin "cry" at parting from their parents while their parents do the happy dance, and the ambushers pose for a picture.

Summer Learning Trip

Because of budget cuts, I cannot take my students on some field trips I feel are important. The solution? Get together in the summer for a summer learning trip! Inviting families to come makes it even more fun, as does finishing up at my home for refreshments and a chance to play the antique player piano.

We started out at Soldiers Home (the Indiana Veterans Home as it is called now) and laid flowers on the graves, did headstone rubbings (look at the picture of the red-headed boy - he is holding one of his) and looked at the cannon captured during the Spanish-American War. Good thing it was shady - temperatures were hovering in the high 80s and the humidity was high.

Then we headed to Cairo, Indiana to see the Skywatch Tower from the Korean War. Sadly, it is in disrepair, but then, it was designed to be functional and not as a monument. It was the first one built in the country, and when it was dedicated, dignitaries came, jets flew overhead, and there was quite a bit of hoopla. Quite a contrast to the poles and beams left standing by a farmer's field way out in the country.

My piano got a workout while Cole, Emily, Craig and others watched the USA play Ghana in the World Cup. I think the kids and their families had a good time and learned some interesting things, too.

Shout Out for Ella!!

Ella had a stellar game last night against the Boston Breakers. Here is the article cut and pasted from the Chicago Red Stars web site. (To see what Ella looks like off the field, click on the June blog entry titled, "Two Class Acts.")

Masar Carries Red Stars Past Breakers

Chicago Red Stars

06/25/2010 - 09:30 p.m.

Red Stars forward Ella Masar netted her first two WPS goals, the second a game-winner, as Chicago defeated the Boston Breakers, 2-1, on Friday night.

ALLSTON, Mass. -- Forward Ella Masar netted two goals and the Chicago Red Stars defeated the Boston Breakers, 2-1, on Friday night in Women's Professional Soccer action at Harvard Stadium.

For Masar, those were her first two WPS tallies in her season-and-a-half tenure thus far with the Red Stars. The Urbana, Ill., native made the most of her third start this season with goals in the 13th and 79th minutes, the second being the game-winner.

"She has been practicing really well, and I noticed that she was creating a lot of chances," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "I felt it was a good time to give her a start and see how it works, and it worked to perfection. She got behind the Boston defenders and she finished tonight."

With the win, Chicago improves to 3-5-3 on the season, while Boston falls to 1-5-4 and remains winless at home. The victory also is the first for Namazi, who has a 1-1-2 record in his four matches at the helm.

Next up for the Red Stars is a 4 p.m. CT match on Sunday, July 4, against the Washington Freedom in Boyds, Md. The match wraps up a four-game road trip, which started against Washington on June 12 and resulted in a 2-2 draw.

On Friday, the Red Stars got on the scoreboard first in the 13th minute. Defender Kate Markgraf started the attack with a long ball from the back to Red Stars forward Cristiane, who flicked a header to Masar, who made a run behind the Breakers defense.

"The timing was perfect," Namazi said. "That's how you draw it on the board."

Chicago's defense held Boston in check throughout the first half, allowing only one shot, which did not even hit the target.

"The first half was the best half I've seen in this team so far with me coaching," Namazi said. "We imposed ourselves, had possession, and got the early goal as a result of good play. We had some lapses toward the second part of the first half for maybe a 5- to 7-minute stretch. But I thought we played a good first half."

But at the start of the second half, the Breakers broke through when Fabiana notched her first career WPS goal in the 46th minute to tie the score at 1-1.

The two teams battled for a little more than a half hour without adding to the scoring column, until Masar broke the tie in the 79th minute off of Marian Dalmy's second assist of the season. Dalmy played the ball diagonally to Masar, who had a 50-50 attempt against Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Masar reached out and poked the ball underneath Naeher for the game-winner.

The Red Stars nearly broke the 1-1 draw in the 68th minute. Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was forced to come out of the net and Red Stars forward Cristiane got the ball past Naeher. But the ball was not driven hard enough to get past Chioma Igwe, who came up with a huge stop while diving across the net to prevent a Chicago tally.

Naeher made three saves for Boston while Jillian Loyden made two saves for Chicago.

The Red Stars improved to 2-0 against the Breakers this season, and their two road wins already surpasses last year's road win total. Chicago's lone road victory in 2009 occurred during the team's season opener at Saint Louis Athletica.

Chicago Red Stars at Boston Breakers
May 29, 2010 -- Harvard Stadium, Allston, Mass.
Red Stars 2, Breakers 1
Red Stars 1 1 - 2
Breakers 0 1 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY
1. CHI, Ella Masar 1 (Kate Markgraf 1), 13; 2. BOS, Fabiana (Del Rio), 46; 3. CHI, Ella Masar 2 (Marian Dalmy 2), 79.
Red Stars: Loyden (GK), Dalmy, Engen, Markgraf, Spilger, Formiga, Carney, Chapman, Rapinoe (Nogueira, 71), Masar (McDonald, 89), Cristiane (Asante, 85).
Breakers: Naeher (GK), Scott, LePeilbet, Igwe (Bogus, 84), Cox, Lilly, Fabiana, Del Rio (Hemmings, 78), Angeli, Smith, Cheney (Tarpley, 76).
STATISTICS:
Shots: Red Stars 11, Breakers 4
Shots on goal: Red Stars 5, Breakers 2
Saves: Red Stars 2, Breakers 3
Corner kicks: Red Stars 7, Breakers 3
Offsides: Red Stars 8, Breakers 3
Fouls: Red Stars 9, Breakers 11
Cautions and ejections:
Formiga (CHI), yellow card (26th minute)
Smith (BOS), yellow card (37th minute)
LePeilbet (BOS), yellow card (48th minute)
Fabiana (BOS), yellow card (67th minute)
Spilger (CHI), yellow card (72nd minute)
Cristiane (CHI), yellow card (81st minute)
Referee: Jennifer Bennett
Referee's assistants: Alp Gulden, Amy Willing
Fourth official: Dan Marques
Attendance: 3,647

WPS All-Star Game

Invitation to Groompa Camp

I printed the invitation below on pretty paper and sent JC and Trinity each one in the mail. Because of what is written at the end of the invitation, they won't show it to their parents! (I went ahead and sent Sarah her own copy so she could see what it looked like.)

I pick the kids up in Peoria Sunday afternoon - can't wait!

Are YOU Ready for GROOMPA CAMP??

June 27 - July 3, 2010

Boompa has been practicing with the marshmallow shooters!

And Grammy has checked out even more fun things to do this year!

Who will win the 3rd annual water fight?

And what cool stuff will we discover this year??

Don't forget your swimsuits and shoes for climbing rocks!

Special Features: Camping with Uncle Curt in the back yard!

Stargazing with Grammy's telescope!

Movie Night! (Don't tell Mom and Dad but we're going to stay up until midnight!!)

Picnics, swimming, crafts, and more!