beside the lake, beneath the trees

The boys and I spent Labor Day weekend down on the lake with my family. It was just an awesome good time, with great company, laughs, stories, food, and an inner tube… enough said.

I left there with a breath of fresh air in my lungs and a smile on my face. It’s amazing what a difference a little sun, water, and close family can make. A pocket full of thank-yous to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike for generously hosting us all. The boys and I had a blast.

My aunts and my mother made enough food to feed an army

My brothers, Jon and Philip.

Oh, and a Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad!

(above photo was taken by my cousin, Evan)

Philip providing music

Jordan (Philip’s roommate) and Philip giving Jonathan a ride in the paddleboat

Joined by Jack

And my brother, Mike

That’s my Uncle Mike driving the boat

He also let Jackson drive

And Jonathan

Evan with Jack on the inner tube

Mike

Jordan’s first inner tube ride. We slung him pretty good.

Philip had an awesome wipeout (more on that tomorrow)

Evan skiing

Dad skiing

And bare-footing. Repeat. This is my Dad without skis.

Philip skiing

Meanwhile, Aunt Mary and Jonathan enjoying the water

Jackson, who I had to drag out of the lake at the end of the day, had “the most fun EVER” and still hasn’t stopped talking about it.