Keeping Katie Ch 19

The chairs were moved around so everyone could get a good seat for the show as there was no raised stage. Elizabeth sang a song, Dickie did some magic tricks from a kit he'd gotten from his dad for Christmas using improvised props, BB and Katie did a dance together that was a bit like a square dance, Joseph played some drums (they were bowls from the kitchen turned upside down) he got a little enthusiastic and dented some of them, Maureen read a poed she'd written for school and Laslo showed off some of his basketball moves. All of the kids got a rousing round of applause no matter what they did. The grand finale was the kicker. All of the kids took turns wearing a black beard and doing their rendition of the "Major General" song. Katie couldn't say the talking part so Dickie spoke it for her while she strutted around with a black fake beard that reached almost to her waist. The kids got together and did the final bow for which they got a standing ovation.

Elliott gave each of them a huge hug and so did Karen and Don. Olivia gave them out to Elliotts girls and Katie when she came over for one too. She beamed at Laslo, Joseph and Dickie and gave them high fives each.

John and Charlene rejoined the group. John had provided the music. "Hey, the fire is going good. Let's get the hot dogs and we can have the marshmallows after everyone is done. No hot dogs, no marshmallows." Charlene said.

Groans greeted this announcement. "Karen?" BB asked.

"Charlene is in charge of this. What she says goes." Karen shook her head. "I'm just her assistant here."

So everyone was issued a hot dog cooking stick and hot dogs. Chips, condiments, buns and sodas were spread around the table for anyone who wanted them. There was a good deal of laughter when they tried to cook the food and some of them kept burning their food. Don stood near Katie because she kept getting too close to the fire. By the time everyone had the hot dogs cooked and eaten the fire had slowed down to a good temperature to roast marshmallows. Don kept Katie on his lap so she could eat ones that weren't charred to a crisp. "Keep turning them, honey. That way they won't catch fire. Careful."

Laslo was ready to stop eating first and he went inside to get his guitar. He'd been practicing for awhile and was getting good, but his repetoire was limited. He sang his few songs and then Elliott asked if he could see the guitar. Laslo handed it over and Elliott played with the strings for a few minutes. He made a face. "I used to be able to do this. No callouses left." he laughed.

"We didn't know you did that, Dad." Maureen said.

"It's been awhile, honey." Elliott told his oldest. His face was screwed up in concentration while he played. He was good but soon gave it up. "Wow, I'd forgotten how much that hurts without callouses."

He got a round of applause. "We need to get out of here soon." he said. The kids were pretty tired and not at all unhappy over the idea of going home. They sat and chatted for a few minutes, enjoying the fire. Katie was falling asleep on Dons lap. "I'm going to put her to bed." he told everyone.

"I think that's a good idea. Come on, guys, say good bye." Elliott got up and so did everyone else. They all walked in a group to the driveway.

Katie was happy being carried by Don, even though she was old enough to walk. Don threw his other arm around Karen and grinned at his friends. "Thank you all for coming. We really enjoyed having you."

"Does this mean we're invited for Thanksgiving dinner?" Fin asked irrepressibly.

"Bring food." Karen grinned.

"You got it." he said with a laugh. "Good night, folks."

The parking area was soon empty of visitors vehicles.

"That was fun. We'll have to do that again soon." BB said tiredly.

Karen dropped her head tiredly on Dons shoulder. "As soon as I get rested up. A year ought to do it." she said wearily.

"Go to bed, everyone." Don said and turned them all toward the house.

The kitchen was an unmitigated disaster. Charlene and John were already inside. "Don't do anything tonight. We'll take care of it in the morning. Go do whatever, Charlene. I'll keep the watch tonight."

"Sure, take the easy one. Okay, okay, I'm going. BB's right it was fun. But so are you. Not for at least a year. G'night."

John nodded to them and followed Charlene outside. Don turned off the lights when they were safely gone and followed Karen to bed.

TBC