First day of school/last day of summer picnic

Well, we got down to some serious schooling today. Officially we started the new year, and from the looks of the concentration that Grace and Mark were displaying this morning-it was very serious business.

But, we could only be studious for so long, so by this afternoon....
we were ready for some end of summer fun.
First, we enjoyed lovely hors d'oeuvres prepared by Grandma. Even Gracie's dolls enjoyed the goodies.

Then we gathered around a campfire in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard. It was a perfect day.

For the past two years, Grandma has wanted everyone to enjoy cooking a hotdog on a stick over a fire. She has very fond memories of her and her parents doing this when she was a little girl. I did remind her that her family at the time consisted of 3 people, whereas, we would be arriving with 12 people ( make that 13-Matt's girlfriend Alexis joined us)

I guess Daddy didn't feel that the normal, ordinary fire was good enough for this hotdot feat, so he added a "little" kick to the fire.
As you can see, we did it. And everyone is smiling and it was very fun. Gracie kept remarking how happy she was because "everyone" was with us today. As the kids grow-up there are fewer times like this when everyone is available to join us for a fun filled afternoon.

Look closely at the previous photo......
Grandma is a non-stick holding trickster---just posing for the picture.LOL She did grab a stick and hotdog when the congestion around the fire thinned out.

Matt and Alexis were a little late arriving, so they earned their own picture.
Grandpa and Gracie spending special time together.
Luke and Grace walking the "dog".

Youngest and oldest
I just love dirty faces, which is good, because there are usually an awful lot around here.

Hotdogs finished, it was on to s'mores. Matt helping out Luke.

Yummy
Yummy and dirty

Just plain dirty( and quite hyper)
Laura's catch of the day.
Grandpa,
as the fire goes out on another beautiful summer.