The whole family (all 9 of us) gathered for a weekend at my parents' cottage. The weather was mostly perfect, there were things to do and places to visit. My parents, after years of deliberation (and, when they're being honest about it, the occasional disagreement) decided to purchase a SeaDoo for the family to use and enjoy. It turned out to be a real hit--everybody rode or drove it (with the obvious exception of Ava.) There was a lot of beach time, a lot of excitement, a lot of laughs and jokes, and lots and lots of yummy (and diet-killing) food. 
ily members grow older, create their own families, and live apart from each other for a reason. Bring them in together again in close quarters for several days, and you'll usually get a reminder of why they all love each other--but also why it is best they they now live apart. (Even Tom and I got on each other's nerves more than usual.) I thought that once I was a grown up, we would all be grown-up--there's a difference. However, the older I get, the more I truly understand how much I have left to learn. I am not at all a fan of The Simpsons, but their creator, Matt Groening, hits the nail on the head in a humorous (but truthful) way when he says, "Families are about love overcoming emotional torture." We may not be perfect, but I will love my parents and sister until the end of my days, and I will cherish all the memories we have made, and the ones that wait for us in the future. 
Vacation means you can break a few rules...like borrowing Mommy's iPod.
The boys playing football. (Where the heck is that football?)
Give them permission to act silly, and they will. (There are several family friends in this photo as well as our family.)
Most of the kids/grandkids enjoying the beach
"I want to come ooooooooooooout!"
Alex (11) and Zach (6.5) working on a fun new activity--a paleontology set. They "dig" some dinosaur "bones" out of plaster of Paris, then clean and assemble them.
(The boys humored their old auntie by letting her have a turn at it too. Aunt Becky loves to play with toys as much as kids do.)
Liesl enjoying the floating chairs on the lake
We often take several floating devices out to the buoy and attach them. This "floating island" attracts a lot of family conversations...and a few splashes. Pack your digital camera in a Ziploc baggy, please.
More babes on the water...except the boat was on the lift. (With gates and a protective canopy, it makes a nice, safe place to play with an active baby.)
Uncle Tom and Alex at dusk, practicing skipping rocks
First all-family boat ride! (And Ava's very first boat ride!)
Liesl driving Papa's boat. (Yes, the boat really is underway. God be with us.)
Ava wasn't as crazy about the boat ride as everyone else...therefore, it was a short ride.
Liesl LOVES the boat. (And her Daddy!)
The family's Sevylor raft doubled as a beach playpen. Props to Grammie for coming up with the idea. This is handy for busy mommies with small, wiggly babies who are prone to shoving handfuls of sand in their mouths.
Brooke, the granddaughter of a family friend, really, REALLY dug Ava. (The feeling was mutual, you'll note.) The youngest of two girls, we think Brooke needs a baby sister of her own.
Mommy and Liesl on the SeaDoo. The SeaDoo hit 56+ mph several times that weekend. Needless to say, this wasn't one of those times....
...though this one was. (Being a passenger is a lot harder than driving the thing.)
Liesl, Zach, and Tammy out on the water. See the freak making the huge wake on a jet ski behind them? That's Tom. I checked to be sure our life insurance is paid up....
Tom after his maiden voyage. Thankfully, both husband and watercraft are in one piece.
Liesl "driving" the jet ski into the lift for Aunt Tammy. (You'll note that my sister has the key out of the ignition. Smart move.)
Hell has frozen over, and pigs have sprouted wings: My mother, 63, drove the SeaDoo. Go Mom!
1 comment:
Hahaha, love the smooshed face on the glass pic:) BTW, it's Moose from KF.
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