Post 4th cookout

Raj invited Puri cousins over for BBQed dinner. After prepping & marinading for the big group, each of them cancelled or gave a belated rsvp of no. All, that is, except for Kusum Auntie and Gulshan Uncle, who were bringing Dadajee. It was very nice of them to pick up Dadajee on their way, so Raj didn't have to make the trip himself.

Shawn took them on a tour of the yard, showing off all that was growing and blooming. They especially liked the container herb garden that Shawn helped me plant. Kusum Auntie wanted to take some herbs home with her (but we forgot until after everyone had already left - oops)!

We were about to eat outside when a couple of raindrops scared us in. As we moved our table settings inside, Kusum Auntie noticed the few eggs we had left from an outing to Primrose Farm. She was completely bewildered!

K: What are those?
Me: Eggs. Shawn helped retrieve them from the coup at a local living-history farm with a couple friends.
K: They're not edible though!
Me: Of course they are! We've used the rest of the carton to make great omelets!
K: But, they're so small!
Me: Well, these didn't come from the same type of chickens that are bred to lay the big white eggs that you find in the grocery store. But, these are probably much better for you because of the way these chickens are raised. Besides, they're just about as fresh as you can get, since Shawn actually reached into the nesting boxes to get them!
K: (silently trying to process everything as she walked away to get ready for dinner.)
Me: :)

Dinner was lovely and Raj got full credit for the meal as he showed off his grill master skills with flavorful lamb chops and chicken skewers, veggies, & rice (not grilled LOL). Shawn shared some decadent fudge brownies from Mariano's Market for dessert.

Then, he and Lilly put on a musical show for us. Shawn played a variety of his instruments, while Lilly followed him around (like a mini-parade) singing her own tunes as loudly as she could. Kusum Auntie was beside herself giggling - she knew that Shawn enjoyed music, but she had no idea that Lilly was such a singer! I told her that it's been fun to watch how they both respond to music - Shawn learns the tune quickly and will hum it or tap out the rhythm easily. Lilly dances. If Shawn sings or provides the music for her, then she'll sing her heart out! (She doesn't normally sing along to the radio or CDs, yet, but that's when she dances the most.)

When the kids' show was over, it was time to say goodbye. Raj packed up leftovers for Dadajee and Auntie/Uncle to take home. Since none of the cousins came, it was a much shorter evening than it would have been otherwise. This worked out well though. A nice evening without needing to go late into the night.