August Report

What's new for August at Camp Thompson Ranch?

First.

New phones!! Galaxy S4. They can do everything. Of course they are so fancy that we are having trouble figuring out how to use them. So if you try to call us and can't get us, we either think the new ring tone is just the music on the radio, or we can't figure out how to answer.

Second.

New horse Misty and teacup pig Wilbur. Misty is about half the size of Amiga. Wilbur is actually Summer's impulse buy--but after two weeks of cuddling at their home, they decided that with the upcoming school activities, Wilbur would cause less havoc in their house and would be better off at grandma and grandpa's farm.

Third.

Butterflies. Of course, when I get my camera out, I can't find the butterflies. But at least you can see some of the flowers in grandma's butterfly garden.

Fourth.

Hanging family pictures on the walls to give the moved in look.

Fifth.

Finishing up the stairs with the log look.

Some closeups

Next week we plan to finish up the stairs to the loft. Then we just have some window and door trim to do downstairs to finish up so we can tile the downstairs floors. Then we'll turn to finishing up the porches and other outside things around the house. The goal is to be done by Christmas!!

Grandma's Camp July 2015

As they say, "Build it and they will come." In this case, build the log cabin and the grandchildren will come in a steady stream to enjoy Grandma's fun grandchildren camps. First came the Carrs and Wilcoxes for a week of fun, including canoeing, swimming and picnicking at Juniper Springs. (You can see more on the Carr blog.)

That was followed by a week of Grandma Thompson Cooking Camp. Here are the new master chefs.

Tatum with her delicious macaroni and cheese. She made a huge pot full and this was all that was left by the time grandpa remembered to get out the camera. She also made the traditional Thompson whipped cream and banana cake for Blake's birthday.

Spencer made sausage and scrambled eggs for breakfast and potatoes and chicken for lunch. He says he only likes potatoes the way grandma makes them so she taught him how to do it.

Blake invented his own recipe of salmon and rice. It was delicious--grandma's favorite.

Oldest brother Joseph decided to create a five course meal, with four of the courses pictured here before they were served one at a time, French style. Pizza soup (his creation), Caesar salad, yucca, and enchiladas suisas, a family favorite. The fifth course was dessert, rice krispy treats.

The week ended with Blake enjoying the birthday cake that Tatum made for him.

The Wilcox cousins served as the official food critics. Everyone got positive reviews and had a great time playing games and riding Amiga between meals.

After cooking camp finished, we made a quick trip to Louisiana for Reuben's baptism.