Bargains and picnics (and a little cricket)

Last weekend was the annual yard sale at University housing. Many residents leave at this time of year and so a morning is set aside where everyone can spread their unwanted goods on tables and blankets, and charge whatever they feel is fair. As many of the things on sale were bought second-hand to begin with, some excellent bargains can be had. Most of the stuff was child-related so Lucas had a great time rummaging through stuff and finding all sorts of things we definitely did not need, but I did strike lucky with a complete wooden train set, compatible with the pieces we already have and 5 more trains, for..... 2 dollars. Now Lucas' trainset can cover all of the living room as well as part of the kitchen. Result.
On Sunday it was the long-awaited Dutch picnic. The weather was fantastic, and the event was held in a local State Park. Wisconsin has 50+ state parks which are beautiful and well-kept, and for a mere $25 a year I am now a member of all of them. (I am planning some more outings.) So in the beginning the picnic was a little dull as it transpired many of the people were farmers who had moved from Holland in the 50s and 60s, and they were a little short on conversation. Then some younger people arrived and it became a very diverse group with lots of children (many of whom spoke no Dutch) and it was encouraging to find that after a few hours in largely Dutch-speaking company Lucas' Dutch also kicked in - evidenced by him saying NEE rather than his standard NO at any suggestions coming from the maternal camp. He spent around 4 hours racing around with a watergun chasing the older kids, and he conked out the moment I put him in his carseat on the way home.
The week has been quiet, things at work are good and many people are away so evenings are uneventful. We usually go home from daycare via a wonderful playground close to the lake, where Lucas has made friends with a band of Mexican children. One girl in particular, maybe around 4, is his favourite. She is wearing the green shirt in the photos. The weather has been very summer-y although sadly today it is raining.
On Monday Lucas gets a new teacher, the current one who is wonderful will also be there, but they start training the teacher who will move with the children to the preschool in September. She will be Lucas' teacher for the next year so I am nervous about meeting her.
And finally, for those of you unaware of this amazing feat - the Dutch cricket team beat the English at Lord's yesterday. Sadly the BBC won't let anyone outside of the British isles watch their online programs so I couldn't see it happen, but I followed the text on the website.