This was our view from the picnic tables where we ate all of our meals - outside. It was like camping because we were outside almost 100% of the time. But it was sooooo unlike camping because each family had a little cottage with all the amenities. We had our own little beach, two docks, and tons of chairs, canoes and kayaks to enjoy.
And of course, where there are older female cousins - - there is nail polish. Greta sniffed it out and had Emma painting in no time.
Above: our friend Ryan came to visit for a day. It was great to see him and catch up. Below: a board game and doughnuts started our first morning at the lake. Notice those sweatshirts!?! It was COLD in the early mornings and late nights - - into the 50s! Perfect sleeping weather - especially since it had been in the 100s in North Carolina the week prior.
Sweet Lainey and Mr. Wyatt enjoyed scooting around. These babes hung out together a ton this week just playing on their blanket and eating all the meals in their high chairs right next to each other. Heather and I got to do some serious catching up since we spent so much time near each other and these babies.
Greta insisted that I put this photo on this post - - kayaking with Emma! Look at that clear water. . . .
A little fishing with Uncle Justin, Morris, and Louis.
Emma taught G about baiting the hook. Not for sissies.
Above: we rented a pontoon (sp??) boat for a few days and the little kids had a blast going for boat rides. Some even braved the water and went tubing. Below: Aunt Bridget taught the little ones how to build fairy houses. This little fairy complex began with a tiny fairy hut and several children expanded it and built onto it until it became more of a fairy village. Sam was a major architect of this project. Sweet.
FROG HUNTING! As you might imagine, I took this photo from a considerable distance and employed the use of the zoom feature on my camera. Yick. Paul decided that Greta should go frog hunting - something he did with his brothers as a child. So off we went to a nearby pond. Greta stuck close until the contingent actually began to catch a few frogs and then she disappeared and kept a significant distance. I did my best to model bravery, but alas - we were spectators in this sport. 
Greta, Evan, and Louis boating.
Greta was very brave, though, in climbing into 68 degree water. I didn't make it past my knees all week, but I am a mere Southern woman. The folks who descended from the great white north did much better, and maybe Greta will follow in Paul's shoes on that front. Her teeth chattered and her mouth was blue, but she was in the water.
Above: Aunt Lisa got some significant snuggle time with Wyatt and Greta. Below: here we are again for MORE frog hunting. Really?! This time Paul, Maddi, Emma, and I took all the younger kids out to a different pond to look for frogs and to catch insects. This was a way to do something fun with our nieces and nephews away from the lake and to get ice cream, courtesy of Uncle Pat and Aunt Carol.
We got rid of all the socks and shoes and waded in. Unbeknownst to us, though, LEECHES were eagerly awaiting our tender toes. Louis, Sam, Eli, Emma, and Paul were the lucky ones who came out with the little blood suckers on their feet! The rest of us were jealous of the cool story they got to tell.
Greta took a look at the frogs from a safe distance on high.
Later in the week, a few of us took a side trip to Mackinac Island. It was totally gorgeous.
Since there are no cars allowed on the island, bikes are the preferred method of transportation.
We lazed around, had a little picnic, and then rented a few bikes while Uncle Matt showed us around his old stomping ground. I think that most of Paul's brothers worked summers on the island, and it was nice to get a tour from a non-tourist perspective.
Wyatt and Greta went on their first long-ish bike ride in the little cart pulled behind Paul's bike. He was (of course) riding still in commuter mode, so this cart rounded corners on one wheel a time or two. These guys didn't seem to mind, though.
Emma and Louis were among our traveling companions.
The five-mile long bridge connecting the Upper Peninsula with the mainland. Expensive to cross, but you have to do it once.
Super heroes!! Greta got to play with the boys once she embraced the super hero concept. Evan, Morris, and Greta wore these goggles and slashed and punched and flew their way all over the campground. They played "super hereos" for hours one afternoon. The other night I read Greta a story that involved goggles on a character who was snorkling in the ocean, and she pointed to them and said, "Mama! My super hero goggles!!"
Greta didn't understand at first that she was supposed to pretend to hit the other super heroes. And so - - she actually hit them. You can see in this video how Morris and Evan are just punching the air while G is making contact. :) We told her what she was meant to do, though, and she got it. By about the fourth or fifth hour of this game, she was a pro!
Grandma enjoying some Wyatt time.
And what is camping without playdough? Morris cooked up lots of pancakes for us this day.
Lainey and Wyatt in their typical spot. These are possibly the most laid back babies on the planet. They made it so easy.
My favorite photo from the whole week! This threesome bonded around day 4 and couldn't get enough of each other. Usually you dangle your feet off the dock, but the head can work in a pinch, as they discovered.
Crawling (scooting) everywhere!
Elaina is Greta's third cousin?? Hard to keep track. Regardless of exactly how they are related, Greta loved having this little girl around to keep her company. And since Elaina is six years old, she has the added benefit of knowing how to read. This came in handy, as you might imagine.
We had a spectacular week, and there are still many other photos that I'd like to post. More to come, but you get the idea. Thanks to Mary and Carol for planning this vacation and to Pat and Phil for agreeing to pay for it. :) We had a superb time!
And what is camping without playdough? Morris cooked up lots of pancakes for us this day.
Lainey and Wyatt in their typical spot. These are possibly the most laid back babies on the planet. They made it so easy.
My favorite photo from the whole week! This threesome bonded around day 4 and couldn't get enough of each other. Usually you dangle your feet off the dock, but the head can work in a pinch, as they discovered.
Crawling (scooting) everywhere!
Elaina is Greta's third cousin?? Hard to keep track. Regardless of exactly how they are related, Greta loved having this little girl around to keep her company. And since Elaina is six years old, she has the added benefit of knowing how to read. This came in handy, as you might imagine.
We had a spectacular week, and there are still many other photos that I'd like to post. More to come, but you get the idea. Thanks to Mary and Carol for planning this vacation and to Pat and Phil for agreeing to pay for it. :) We had a superb time!
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