Hmmm...I think we are developing a pattern with weekend bonfires and marshmallow roasting...
After a quick barbequed dinner, we hauled the playpen and our blanket down to our bonfire site. Last night I realized that we needed a pattern to our bonfire, otherwise the kids go nuts and make too much noise and make their dad cranky.
So as the fire is first starting and there are no roasting coals, I read out loud. This keeps this kids close by on the blanket and sets the mood... Last night, we started reading Island of the Blue Dolphins.
As soon as the coals are ready, the roasting begins. Ian, Shane, Evie, and Fiona can all roast their own marshmallows.
Some are better roasters than others...
...but then Ian had a really great idea...why not roast some apples?
Our Golden Delicious tree is just about ready for picking. Apples are just starting to fall and they are right on the edge of becoming sweet. We'll pick them a bit green and let them ripen on the counter...if they last that long.
When the roasting is done, the older kids run in the pasture while the little ones snuggle with me and watch the bats fly around. When it starts getting dark, I bring Lula and Daniel up to the house for bed. By the time I get back to the blanket, the older kids are settling down and telling stories. I told them the stories have to match the fire. If the flames are leaping and jumping, the stories can be funny and crazy. But when the fire starts burning lower, the stories need to be reverent or meaningful or calming. When the kids are in that mellow fireside mood, bedtime goes a lot easier...
