Scenes from the Lake: Fetch!

Hansie loves Sadie.  If only the feeling was mutual.

Scenes from the Lake: Just Foolin' around

Scenes from the Lake: Camping Out

Dada arrived and got the annual camp out in the yard going.

It is so cute to see them so excited, and I was certain no one would get much sleep.

I think the little guys slept, not sure about the Daddy though.

So sweet to see them piled up in there.  I think we need to get a full fledged camping trip in the works for next spring.

Scenes from the Lake: Freddie Skis

Looking a little nervous here, but he had some big talk prior!

I still cannot believe Freddie had any interest in skiing.  But, then again, of course he did since the big guys were doing it and he couldn't be left out.

He tried.  And fell.  And tried and tried again.

He didn't give up.  And honestly that still surprises me.  I didn't realize he was so persistent.

And then finally, he was up!  (And of course I couldn't zoom my camera in or do much of anything but cheer for my baby!)

He didn't last long, and I'm thinking he just dropped the rope as he got too far out from the shore.  I mean he got up, he did it, so there wasn't reason to do anything else, right?

I am beyond proud of his bravery and determination.  He's growing and changing right before my eyes.  I can hardly believe my baby was on skis!  And next year I think he'll be all over the lake talking about dropping a ski I'm sure.

Scenes from the Lake: Outdoor Dining

I think hot dogs cooked over the fire are the favorite lake meal.

The s'mores aren't bad either.

Scenes from the Lake: 1, 2, 3, Jump!

Although there were LOTS of belly flops, the boys worked on new creative jumps as well as creative names.  THE JUMP of the summer was "The Full Dodger."  Still no idea where Freddie got that name, but I wonder if we'll be seeing more of it.

Scenes from the Lake: Cousin Time

Nothing like having time with cousins.

The boys both look forward to this part of the visit, as do we all.

They learn so much from spending time with each other, although the big take away for the little boys this year was using your armpit to replicate farting noises.  I mean, that was BIG.  Ah, boys.

The older boys helped Freddie and Hans push their limits in all regards, and overall a great learning experience for them for become more independent (and fearless) in the lake.

I love seeing the older boys take on the roles of care takers, revealing the sweetness in each of them.

Thank you, cousins!  We love you.