Our First Rest Day

Day Five: The Bevins' Estate

•         hours slept: 12

•         time that The Pirate and The Mermaid rolled out of bed: 12:30 pm

•         # of hours by the pool: 8

•         # of Bevins children carted on R. Girl: 2

•         # of times the Mermaid left the premisis: 0

We are not traveling today, and it feels good. We have changed our clothes for the first time since NC, exchanging riding gear for kickin’ it gear. My feet have not had shoes on them all day. I think that we will not do another 400+ mile again if we can help it.

Torin

 

This entry will be about familia Bevins and the food they have made for us. First, the Bevins clan. Meet:

Talon

Tim: Papa and patriarch, a metal head artisan chef with ass length hair and infinite hilarity.

Shawna: Mama and Queen of this castle, a beautiful blue eyed brunette with a sweet southern accent and heart to match.

Gabrielle: Eldest child and only daugther.  She’s the princess, make no mistake.

Tim

 

Toren: Oldest son, comedian, illustrator and lover of reptiles.  A respectful observer who weaves what he sees into comedy and clever insight. We commandeered his room for our stay.

Tristan: Middle son, a quiet 11year old who already has a girlfriend. Responsible, considerate and neat and the dare devil dirt bike rider. The first of the brood to ride R. Girl.

Talen: Last but not least, this little man is no joke. At 4 years old he holds his own with plenty of charm to help you forget whatever mischief he’s up to. He’ll steal your heart and your candy.

Shauna and Gabby

When the Pirate and I finally roll our asses out of bed past noon, the house is empty. We make our own coffee and joyfully scarf the leftovers from the feast last night. Tim comes home panting from a run (“a pervet has broken in the house!” said the Pirate, before we could see who had come in the door)  and over the next hour or so the rest of the family gathered. We spend hours and hours poolside. Tim periodically dips into the house and reemerges with some fantastic treat. First: mecalatas, a concoction of Corona, jalepenos, cilantro, lime tomatoes, hot sauce and balck pepper. Then, watermelon salad with feta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and basil. Then cornbread with strawberries and orange liquor, and so on. You get the picture. The final meal of the day is enchaladas with homemade sauce at 1 am.

Triston

At 9 pm I am still poolside, and the gaggle of Bevins’and The Pirate return from the local park. They have brought me gifts: lemon thyme plucked from the middle school gardens, a red eared turtle (promptly plunked into the pool) and a frog (also now in the pool). 

We are so happy to be here in the bosom of this wonderful family.