Maybe I’m just getting older, but more and more I love being home.

Sunday afternoon we headed to my parents’ house here in town to have a “Memorial Day” campout with the extended “Walsh” family. We set up our tent in their back yard, had a cookout on their deck, and played games well into the night. The cousins had a wonderful time running and playing, and the adults took advantage of the time to visit and catch up on things.

We had a cookout Sunday night with lots of yummy food, capped off with ice cream, birthday cake and “upside down rhubarb cake” to celebrate Luke and Isaac’s May birthdays. (It’s becoming our tradition to make rhubarb desserts for Isaac’s birthday.)

Monday morning I made breakfast for the gang. I wanted to share my new biscuits-and-gravy talents, and it was a hit! Everyone raved, the gravy was gobbled up down the last pan scrapings, and the leftover biscuits were enjoyed with butter and jam. I think we’re going to have to do that again for the next family gathering!

I had thought that everyone would pack up and go home Monday, but soon there was talk of some staying a second night. We mulled over that idea, and sat around and visited for a while, until a group of us were suddenly inspired to head out and hit a few garage sales. The group included my brother Dave and his fiance Katie, Isaac and Judah, and my mother and me. The rest of the gang left at home decided to play dominoes while we were gone.

We had a wonderful time hunting and shopping and sifting through people’s garage-sale treasures. Each of us found things we couldn’t live without, and finally, a few hours later, we returned home weary and happy and ready for lunch.

After lunch, some of us took naps while others continued the Mexican Train domino game. Before we knew it, supper time had come, and we enjoyed our fourth meal together. I told my folks that this had to be the longest party they’ve ever hosted!

During supper we decided to take down our huge family tent. We broke the news to the youngest four children that we were going to take them home with us, while Laura and Isaac could spend one more night at the “campground”. Isaac was using a tiny tent that belongs to my mother, and Laura was eager to sleep on the deck without a tent.

It took a long time, but we were finally all ready to head home. We trundled across town to our house, full of nice memories of our adventure, but glad to be going home. It was already bedtime for the younger set, so they were hurried off to bed, while Luke (now the oldest child at home) got to stay up late and play. Luke and I made a little pan of brownies (something he’s been wanting to do for a long time!), so he was all set for a nice evening, snacks and all.

By this time I was feeling quite ill (this baby will not be ignored!), so I went to bed.

Now, this morning, I am sitting back on my own porch again, taking care of my own little family, and happy to be home. We had such a nice time on our mini vacation, but as always, it’s good to be home.