Making memories.

It was an evening like we used to have when we were young.

A band-family jam night on the long weekend.

While the adults visited and enjoyed the music, all ages of kids were thrown out in the yard to play.  They broke into smaller groups, came up with strategies, battled one another, and generally figured out how to make it all work.

The younger boys tormented the girls with pirate swords and toy guns. The girls escaped out into the pond in a paddle boat - safe from the battle.  When they finally docked, the big boys abandoned their stakeout at the horseshoe pit and took the boat.  For what felt like forever, we watched the big boys taunt the girls who wanted the boat back and the big boys having nothing of it.  Those girls ran around the pond one way.  And then chased them back the other way.  On and on it went.  (Shocking, really, that we only ended up with one wet child!)

At dark, the sparklers came out.

I watched as Juliana and Jillian took on the babysitter role for the littlest boy in the bunch - I'm not sure who had more fun.

All the while, the open air sing-along continued.

We left a little later with full bellies, tired children and the music playing in our heads.

It was an evening of freedom, fresh air, and adventure that the kids will remember fondly.

A great start to a summer tradition?

I hope so.

*my only regret is that I didn't bring my camera so my iPhone pics will have to do.....