Life on the Lake

The day before we left for the cottage, I was accosted by a disability insurance salesman while working in my yard. As I thought of my "get rid of you/delay" tactic I mentionned that we were leaving for vacation and would rather leave things until we returned. He in turn asked where we were headed. I told him that we go north with my husbands family. He quickly asked if this was a good thing. My answer: (and it hasn't changed since I've returned) is a resounding YES! To which he replied that I was lucky, as not many people like their in-laws. True enough, but there is no difficulty there for me. I am extremely blessed to have wonderful in-laws and loveable, and super nieces and nephews. The week at the cottage is never long enough. We always have such a great time and are sad to go home. So thank you to all my wonderful in-laws who make our week at the cottage so memorable - year after year. I (along with my children) am incredibly blessed by being part of such a large and fun loving family! I guess I should thank Jonathan for marrying me and allowing me such a privelege:)
The following are a sampling (even a small sampling if you can believe it) of pictures taken during our week.

Fun on Land

I believe this picture shows a game of what eventually became known as "LOB BALL" which as some chose to inform us is just a really slow motion version of volleyball. But there were many fans of the game, and it was something the kids could join in with as well - though we did have adult only games too!

Soccer - which was also a hit with the kids.

I just had to zoom in on this picture. Kevin plays soccer the same way, and people often ask which side of the family it comes from. There is no doubt in my mind!!!

Campfires after supper.

Kylie having fun on the swings.

The blonde boys (actually only some of them) hanging out on the swings.

David entertaining Kylie on the slide.

James and Kade entertaining Kylie in the sand. They had her flipped facedown as well and she seemed to be in the right mood to take abuse because she was quite content with the attention!

Kevin practicing his golf swing . . .

. . . which Tim quickly assured him needed to be adjusted a bit. (I'd trust him:))

Construction in the sand - James.

Timothy and Kevin.

Fun in the Water

The matriarch of the family looking wonderful.

Nathan, Mackenzie and Beth out on the paddleboat.MaryBeth and Jo "canoeing". In case you are wondering, they did NOT stay dry. (not due to their very capable paddling abilities of course, but due to a little outside help)
Summer Mackenzie Kylie
Kevin and Kade out on the canoe. The boys spent A LOT of time out on the boats this year. They went fishing on their own handling the bait and everything by themselves. I was quite impressed.
Jeremy and Kade out for a swim. Christiaan and MaryBeth enjoying a paddleboat ride.
Jeremy joining them.
One of the fish the kids caught. This was Timothy's catch.

Fun on the raft/dock. Kevin and Holly out for a ride
Kade and Ryan fishing off the dock. Reading and lounging on the beach.Steph and Sarah getting some sun. Bethany, Christy and MaryBeth
Mom and Bethany making sure lifejackets are being put on. (Actually I think they are just enjoying the weather, but we did appreciate their careful monitoring of water safety rules)Sweet Jeremy - who just randomly will come up with a hello and a hug.James showing us how big the fish that he caught was. Mom and Owen - the baby who everyone dreams of having. (for now anyway-- right Steph?:))
Holly and Brooke. Holly was such a great help with the younger kids. Bathtime for Summer and Mackenzie.
The Circus
The kids put a circus on for us one evening which they had a lot of fun doing - and of course we were entertained as well.
The audience.Some of the circus performers - the tight-rope walkers and the bearded lady.MaryBeth.Jacob -possibly a tiger.I believe these boys were the belly bouncers/dancers - though i'm not sure of the correct name.Some more animals. And some more. And of course every circus needs a clown - Doesn't Kate look great?!!! Snapshots
Richard and MaryBeth

Our Family
Christy, MaryBeth, and Bethany. Kade (and as promised, photo credit goes to Bethany!)
Jeremy. Kate.Joshua - what a loveable little guy. Summer - I just love this picture of her - it captured her so well! Kylie and Brooke.
Kylie and Summer. "The Three" - Christiaan, Jeremy and Kade - quite the posers - and they did it on their own. We were trying to see the height difference between them.
Summer. Joshua.
Hope this gives you a glimpse of our vacation. We thank God for opportunities such as this where we draw closer as family. We also are thankful for safety throught the week, beautiful weather, and time to relax and enjoy eachother.
I found this quote, and thought it would be a good one to end this post and teach us to treasure each moment and not get too caught up in life's busyness.

"Half the joy of life is in little things taken on the run. Let us run if we must . . . but let us keep our hearts young and our eyes open so that nothing worth our while shall escape us. And everything is worth its while if we only grasp it and its significance."