Last Saturday our family was at Sunnen lake with grandma, grandpa, aunt and cousin. Grandma used to work for the Sunnen corporation, now retired, but for the rest of her life she has free use of the beautiful cabins at their private section of the lake. The lake also hosts the YMCA Trout Lodge, which was a special place that holds fond childhood memories for my husband and his family.

When ever grandma makes the arrangements for us to stay at the lake we are happy to be included. Sometimes we have arrived late (were supposed to be there on Friday this year), the weather always seems to be stifling and hot (no air-conditioning folks), and it never fails that I whack my poor noggin on the bunk beds, but there is no way we would not want to come. The peaceful beauty of the lake, and the chance to spend one on one with family, makes up for everything else.

One of the highlights for me, silly as it might seem, is the chance to toast a few “mushmallows” as my kids would call them. They all hunt for just the right stick to hone for holding them in the fire, and this year Aunt J even brought chocolate and graham crackers for SMORES, yuummm!

For me though, this simple task of toasting fluff, means a whole lot more. This is a memory from my own rough childhood, something that was actually good, that I can now share with my own kids. Trust me there were times that I wondered if there was anything good I would be able to share, or anyone to ever share it with. I am so glad that both of those things came together for me.

So now when I get the chance, not too often, but at least once a summer, the toasting of the mushmallows is a sweet bonus for me. Of course I enjoy the singed, sugary treat, but I am also so thankful because I am sharing it with my family.


*Note to self- Try and get some of the pictures with ME in them and not just the rest of the clan!

Enjoy the whole Love Thursday series of posts here

Photo: Copyright Deb Donatti 2007