Great Grandma's Lake

We got back last night from a great visit to MI. We had two days of great weather and two just okay days. The kids were very busy on our trip and it was great to see all our family. Here is Ethan proudly holding up the fish he caught. His cousins, Cassie and Garrett aided in the fishing adventure.





Ethan surprised everyone by jumping off the dock. He was shy of the water on our last visit in June and this time just jumped right in. After he caught some fish from the dock he was a little afraid to jump in because the fish might get him. I told him that the fish would hear him on the dock and move. That worked. Ethan even had Mike jumping for about 30 minutes. He tried to get Judy to do it but she politely turned him down. Ethan got her back by breaking a water balloon on her back.
Ethan and Aubrey had fun on the "white board". This is the second white board at the lake and both have been well used. This is a favorite activity. I do not know what is so exciting about standing on this piece of foam in the lake, but it is. I have clocked in many hours on it over the years. This was also a big improvement for Ethan. Aubrey had no fear of the water.


Ethan and Garrett are feeding the ducks. They would come right up the the house. Aubrey just ate the bread.





Ethan and Garrett on the hot dog being pulled behind the boat. We were all amazed that Ethan wanted to do this. On past visits Ethan has only wanted to play on land with it. Garrett was great with Ethan and Ethan was his shadow for the weekend. I think Garrett may need to start a fan club with Ethan as president! Thank you Garrett, not many 16 year olds would enjoy a 4 year old watching their every move.
Aubrey being thrown in the water with Grandma and Grandpa. I think this is her favorite activity.







Ethan built a great tower all by himself with Grandpa's old blocks. They must be an antique by now!









Ethan and Aubrey with Grandpa. We have a little tradition where we make Grandpa a t-shirt for his birthday with him and the kids. Grandpa proudly wears them. Aubrey was not into sitting for a picture. After about 5 attempts, this was the best we could get. At least she is not trying to get down or crying. The joys of a toddler.
Aubrey is being a big girl and drinking out of a water bottle. Great Grandma is assisting. I am not sure if she got more on her bathing suit than in her mouth.






Aubrey is eating her first freeze pop. She even learned to suck up the liquid at the end. I was the lucky one to assist in this adventure. We did not get too sticky though. I think Ethan had about 10 freeze pops one day. About half of each one landed on the ground though.





Ethan and Aunt Kelly riding the jet ski. Aunt Kelly drove all the way from her new job in Pittsburgh to join us. She was a very good sport with imaginary play this weekend. This does not come easy to her. She played tennis and train multiple times.
Ethan and Aubrey were playing in the "boat" that Grandma helped them make in the sand box yesterday before we left. We had a great time on our trip to the lake. Aubrey did well on both plane rides, which was an answered prayer.



We got home last night and Dad surprised Ethan with some new frogs. They are the little ones that live in water (like a small little fish tank). Ethan thinks they are very cool and is already watching them this morning. Spike needs another hair cut since we have been gone and Mom needs to mow the grass again. Back to daily life. Dad was busy putting the finishing touches on the house while we were gone and hanging lots of pictures. Aubrey got her first black eye already this morning. She knocked over a little side table by the couch and then fell on top of it, putting nice bruise under her eye. It is not as bad as it sounds for those of you who are worrying (Aunt Joy).