Cottage fun

We're finally starting to get back into a regular routine following our time at the lake, so I thought I would post some pictures of the fun we had. I could post tons of pictures, but since I don't think Blogger would cooperate, I tried to keep it to a few favorites.

Here are some pre-picture highlights (in bullet points, because I'm a bullet point kind of gal):

• Number of squirt gun fights that the grandkids had with grandpa: at least 2 that I witnessed...picture grandpa on the dock with a squirt gun and 4 giggling kids running around trying to squirt him.
• Number of paddle boat rides with my boys: 2, one of which our destination was the lily pads and the turtle's favorite resting areas.
• Number of turtles spotted on the paddle boat ride: at least 8
• Number of fish that Ethan caught: 2
  
• Number of times I was thrown into the lake with my clothes on: 3
• Number of nights we slept over: 11 (I think, I kind of lost track)
  
• Number of times I performed the Heimlich: 1 (OK, one unsuccessful attempt and then one more successful attempt that was decidedly more emphatic)
• The weight I gained while eating junk food for 3 weeks: I didn't even check because it's vacation...though a certain relative of mine actually had the nerve to LOSE weight while eating junk!
  
• Number of meals per day that were followed with dessert: Usually 3!
• Number of people who slept who slept in one bedroom many nights: 6
• Nieces and nephews that I was able to hang out with for an invaluable amount of time: 4
• Books read: Sadly, only one! I guess I was busy watching kids play in the lake!
  

Ethan became very comfortable in the water...more and more each day. By the end of our time at the lake, he would happily swim under water!

Micah and Daddy having a squirt gun fight...the bigger squirt guns were used on grandpa.

Ethan caught a fish! He wasn't so sure about it, as evidenced by his grip on grandpa's shirt.

Micah had to keep looking at the fish. We kept it in the bucket so Ethan could show Jason. Micah almost dumped the fish back into the lake a number of times. I guess he's a catch and release kind of guy!

The boys, playing in the water. It's amazing how much time the could spend scooping water!

My goofy goggle boy. He thought we was pretty cool wearing these.

Micah and I in the kayak. I think I enjoyed it more than he did.

My niece, Kathleen. She celebrated her first birthday out at the lake.

My nephew, Charlie, chilling out on Grandpa's lap. By the way, grandpa was off limits for the squirt guns if Charlie was on his lap. Smart grandpa.

Ethan and Micah with my niece and nephew, Rachel and Evan. They played for hours together!

Grandpa was trying to take a nice kayak ride with Rachel and Ethan. Ethan had other ideas.

Where I've been

In case you haven't noticed, it has been a while since I updated my blog (again). We've been busy lately doing a whole bunch of relaxing. You see, every year in the month of July, my parents rent a cottage for a few weeks. The cottage is close enough that it is easily driven to, but far enough away that it really is a vacation. My parents allow (and even encourage!) all of their children and grandchildren to stay overnight as often as we like, so Jason, the boys, and I have been crashing at the cottage off and on for the last week and a half. We've come home for a few days when I have to work, but then we head back out to the quiet life. Jason doesn't have any vacation days, so he just drives in to work and then comes back to join us when he's done for the day (I know, he got the short end of the stick on this deal!). Anyway, I'm not going to post all the pictures right now, simply because I have to figure out a good way to post the good ones from the 200+ pictures I've taken already. Plus, after I work a few days, we're going back to the lake again! So, no promises of pictures in a timely manner!

To keep your attention, I'll give you a glimpse of this past Saturday at the cottage. Jason had to work from 9-noon, so he didn't have a relaxing morning like I did. In fact, when he came back to the cottage after work, he found that I was still in my pajamas. With a large amount of encouragement from our firstborn (and a HUGE dose of encouragement from my siblings), I went into the lake fully clothed.

As you can tell, I tried to put up a fight. Unfortunately, I'm not as strong and determined as the rest of my family, so I got wet. At least the water was warm.

4th of July

What a busy, fun day we had! We have a unique opportunity on the 4th of July. Our city's parade goes right by our house. What fun we have with that! We began our day with a big breakfast (OK, we actually began our day by staking claim to our spots in the yard!). Many of our family members were able to come and feast with us. Then we all lined the yard and watched the parade go by. My personal favorite is alway the flyover that happens each year at the beginning of the parade.

Jason and I were really able to enjoy the parade this year...neither of the kids were scared of the fire trucks, motorcycles, or any of the other loud floats. The boys had an awesome time...how can they not when all they have to do is wave and handfuls of candy are tossed their way! They also have major candy funneled their way since the aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great grandma all contribute to the candy bag. They each ended up with a gallon zip-lock bag full. That may last us until Halloween!

I finally came from behind the camera to actually get a picture of me with the boys. I often forget to do that!

Micah is waiting for the parade to come...like I said, his bag was full of candy by the end of the parade!

Chillin' out by some of his uncles. I think he received an education surrounded by all of them.

A picture with Colin at Colin's first parade...the other cousin in attendance, Charlie, was hanging out in the house for a bit (plus he's kind of little for Micah to be holding!).

Daddy and Micah, waiting for the next part of the parade.

Picking up a Tootsie Roll (one of many...the candy of choice for the floats!)

Uncle Tim making sure that Ethan's candy bag is full to the brim!

Being silly before fireworks. Poor Jason is trying to take a nap.

Ethan giggling with Grandpa before the fireworks. Being up past his bedtime makes him just plain silly, which is much better than just plain crabby!