La Cabin Boating

So I promised you a post about our boating adventure at the end of our La Cabin visit.  Well – here it is!

The lake was beautiful. Let’s start there. It was a hot July day, even early in the morning – which is when we “set sail”.

Although we were on a beautiful Pontoon Boat, so technically, there was no sailing.

Before we left the dock, I managed to grab a shot of the water. This shot.

And it struck me that God just doesn’t make junk. You know?

Off we went, and the scenery was breathtaking!

We’d been on this same lake before, last summer – but this time it was just different.

I don’t know why.

Maybe because this boat was a little faster and it kept me from feeling like a fried egg.

What with the wind in my hair and all. I still got burnt like a fried egg left too long in the pan – but at least I had the wind. Ahem.

We made precious memories and the kids absolutely loved every minute of our day…

Since our hosts had a fabulous “tube”, we didn’t waste too much time before we took full advantage.

First up: Daddy and Quint. And he was a champ – not scared in the slightest bit, even when we hit faster speeds.

At one point, he rested his face in his hands as if to infer boredom. Not to be cliché, but (sigh) BOYS!

Never enough adventure – apparently – even when you’re only 3.

It was really great to see Anton and Quint out there taking on the water together – that boy LOVES his Daddy.

Eventually, we stopped and ate some lunch, followed by some really amazing swimming in a cove. The water was fairly clear, and slightly warm. My heart might have stopped a beat when our “captain” announced that the water wasn’t as deep where we dropped anchor. Only 52 feet. Gulp. Only 52? Is that all?  Meh. That’s nothing. (looks around nervously) Gulp. That’s only like, six and a half times deeper than the average deep end of a swimming pool. Gulp. And beyond our feet, it was pitch black. It took a “mommy moment” for me to resign myself that the children were snuggly harnessed into their life-jackets, and to enjoy this time.

Quint wasted no time waiting for Mommy to get emotionally ready for him to swim…he just dove right on in. And he proceeded to dive "right on in" off the front and the back of the boat several times. Swim, swim, swim, and up off the boat and back into the water. Repeat.

What happened next, I like to refer to as “FISHGATE”. It only took a few minutes for me to join them. Off I dove from the back of the boat and after a brief moment of darkness under the water, my head popped up and I was totally refreshed. It was really wonderful, if not a little bit scary. Just because there was no point to touch down. We were treading water, minus our floating devices. And everything was kind of ideal, until something brushed my leg. And I turned to ensure that it was my sister in-law – maybe her leg or arm. But no, she assured me it was not her. And I had this sinking feeling that it was not of the human variety. Which, can I just tell you? NOT my thing. (shudders) And maybe I had no business swimming in a lake, what with my discomfort of all things scaly or fishy. But it was so hot – and the water looked so nice…and I could not help myself. Still, I became a little paranoid. Every time I would feel a little “nudge” under the water or a slight tap, I would squeal and try to head for the boat. They would all laugh at me, and I would be kicking my legs and trying to keep lake-life away from me. That’s when it happened. FISHGATE. I was BIT by a fish. I assume a fish. I don’t know what. And it hurt! Right on my leg – my thigh. A sharp PINCH and a lasting throb. OUCH! Didn’t break the skin – but I shrieked loudly and started FREAKING OUT. Yes, go ahead…laugh at me. They all did too. But I couldn’t care less. I was swimming as fast as I could – “I’m outta here!” I shouted and made my way to the boat. Blech. Double Blech. FISHGATE. Blech. Downside to swimming in the lake? No matter how wonderful and refreshing it seems – it’s still crawling with “life” under those dark waters. Blech.

Moving on!

Next up in the tube was Keira Joy – oh yes, she did.

NO FEAR.

Her Daddy took her out and it was not until his arms got a little tired that she acquiesced to being brought back up on the boat.

And even then, she cried herself silly that her turn was over.

Until of course, this took over…which, was bound to happen eventually…

Hate to leave you hanging – but this post is long enough.

You will need to come back Tuesday for Part II and to see what happened when I took my turn.

And friends? You *might* want to come back for this one…
all I can say is it involved DRAMA that only I am capable of conjuring…true dat.

Tuesday then?

Here comes the smolder…

Have you seen Tangled?  If you have, then you’ll follow…if not, well…maybe not so much.

My AB is in NYC this week filming some spots for IKEA.  Let’s just say that we miss him!!!!!

Let’s just say it again.

WE MISS HIM!!

But I’m so proud of him, happy for his being picked to do this, and excited for him to have the opportunity!

Meanwhile, I miss the smolder…(tee hee)

Love you babe!!

All good things…

ah yes…our time at La Cabin is over.  Those two weeks flew by faster than my mind can believe.  But sadly it’s true – back to life.  Back to reality.  Thanks to Mom and Dad B for hosting our family, feeding us, and putting up with our shenanigans.  No need to elaborate there.

Still, there is something to say for your own bed, your own home, your own mess - {Cough} - your sad and sorry lack of homemade fresh bread every day. Sniffle.

So yes.  Back home again.  Ready to stare down the coming weeks of prepping the kids for their first year of pre-school together (yay!), purging and organizing our house from all the clutter we’ve accumulated over the past six months, readying ourselves for AB’s school year, and dare I say it – readying myself for my all-time favorite season of the year; Fall.  Gasp!  (it’s hard to visualize what with all the 100 degree + days we’re having – but I’ll manage, somehow.)  Still, we have to get ourselves through the hottest month of the summer – dreaded August.  Meh.  I don’t think it’s gonna be a big push – the weeks are flying by and I’ve already seen tons of sales for school supplies and “Back to School” signs up at our local stores.  How did that happen?  Last month, summer vacation started.  Now we’re going back?  I just don’t understand the forces of time moving so fast as you age.  What’s up with that?  Who do I need to take that up with?

Oh!  Also?  I didn’t forget.  I know I haven’t posted about our amazing day of boating.  But trust me – it was blog-worthy, my people….and you will even get to see me make a complete ARSE of myself.  Yes, yes you will.  Ahem. 

In the meantime, I was able to capture these little pieces of heaven on the front porch of their grandparents home a couple days before we departed.  I still stand amazed at how fast they are growing up, and the personalities that are emerging from them every day. 

Today went like this…

The day started early – as it always does.  Hot coffee perking, and my bright eyed babies up at the crack of dawn. 

5:30am, anyone?!? Bueller?

Fresh baked bread with butter and jam. (don’t get me started on the fresh bread)

We made time for cuddling and laughing, amidst breakfast on the patio and some relaxing conversation.

   

Around 10:30, we made our way to the pool.  The sky was cloudy and there was a slight breeze –
but the humidity was permeating and so the water was refreshing. 

We also enjoyed just sitting by the river, and watching the fog roll over the water.  It was peaceful and quiet. 

What else is there?

(*Seriously?  Do you not want to spend like, two days in that hammock?  
Cripes!  See that river back there?  And the fog that's resting on it?  I die.)

Swimming for a couple of hours left us with growling bellies and thirsty throats.  That’s when we decided to take a break and do this:

so that we could have this on tables by the pool:

I BIG TIME HEART eating outside if the weather is right – and it was perfect today. 

Sort of.

Because while we were eating, well, that’s when the sky got dark and the heavens opened up…and can I tell you something? All I could think of was diving right back into that water and swimming in that downpour. 

And it’s a testament to my simpatico husband, because he wasted NO TIME, grabbed our son, and did this:

 
 
 

…and so we all did. 

And if you can’t tell – it’s pouring rain in that water.

Oma and Opa joined us and for at least a half hour, there we were with only nature all around us as we swam – splashing and playing in the downpour – though I don’t have a picture to show you.  It was hands-down one of the best swimming experiences I’ve ever had.  We were surrounded by beauty in the mountains, we were covered in cool, refreshing rain, and truly had a wonderful time.

After some delightfully long naps, we made our way to the local Fish Shack and tried some tasty catfish and shrimp.  YUM, people.  YUM.  And I’ll just tell you the name of this cake we ordered:  Ding Dong Cake.  It was clearly a homemade delicacy, with several layers of fresh whipped cream and airy chocolate cake.  Oh, and a chocolate ganache on top.  Quite the hit at our table…little Mr. Quint hit nirvana in one bite.

Now we’re resting for the night, and preparing for our big day on the water tomorrow – we’re going boating! 

Can I say this also?  Vacation is rare for us.  So very rare.  I know I spend a lot of time on this blog dealing with the stuff in life that just "*is* or maybe the aspects of parenting that leave me gutted.  I hope it’s as fun for you to read some good old fashioned family stuff, as it is for me to be able to post it.  I’m well aware that reality is right around the corner to knock me on my hind side, but for now…I’m here.  And it’s summer.  And we’re together. 

And you can’t bottle up memories like these fast enough…

am I right?

Inclement Weather Visits La Cabin

The weather has been strange around La Cabin.  One day hot, humid, and unbearable – leaving us housebound and with a bad case of  La Cabin Fever.  The next day brings thunder, lightening, and rain showers – leaving a sticky feel in the air, but cooler temperatures – yet, still housebound.  We’ve busied ourselves with card games, movies, walks, long naps, and good meals.  Still – I would be lying if I said the “housebound” part is fun with two toddlers.  They aren’t enjoying not being able to get out and run around every day.  Swimming has been put on hold – either due to temps over 100 (and frankly a warm pool as a result) or because of rain and lightening.  Not so safe.

Still on the whole, one can’t complain – because there is hot coffee in the morning, beautiful serene surroundings, awesome food, and relaxation by default of lousy weather.  Not to mention the good memories our little ones are tucking away with their family.

Tomorrow (Friday) – and good weather pending – we’ll take the family out on the lake boating.  I pray {pray} pray for decent skies!  Something to really look forward to – I can’t wait to see their expressions!

   

{just in case you thought I wasn’t here…I prefer the other end of the camera}

**Also?  Congrats to my baby sister Miss Ashley, who gave birth to her second daughter Victoria today.  10lbs. 10oz.  Doesn't that deserve a round of applause?   For my life, I can't imagine how she did it - but bless her heart...10 pounds?  A big smooch to Ashley and to baby Victoria!

La vie au chalet

For those, like myself, not fluent in La French….that’s “Life at the Cabin”.  To clear something up – and this probably goes without saying – of course, “La Cabin” is simply my pet-name for AB’s parent’s home.  It’s clearly not a cabin.  It’s a beautiful home over the river and through the woods…

One of the things I really treasure about time away that’s just for family, is the complete lack of routine.  Normally, well – at home anyway, that would give me hives.  But everything is kind of out the window on this trip.  Nap time?  Happens when it happens.  If we swim twice in a day – so be it.  Decide to read or decide to chit-chat?  Whatever sounds good in the moment.  Miss a meal?  Well, ok.  You've got me on that one.  We’re not missing any meals.  Heaven forbid. 

*Hey, side note:  speaking of food, we had my favorite summer fare this evening…wanna see our Frogmore Stew (sans frogs – there are no frogs in this stew people)?  It was DELICIOUS!  All the kids ATE IT UP!  And we, the grown-ups, might have had thirds.  Oh yes.

And I know you want to see the most delectable pastry you’ve ever put into your mouth?  Friends – how can I put this?  This completely homemade Blueberry Tart, with fresh whipped-cream on top, was so good that it had all three ladies uttering and sighing and eating with eyes closed.  It was THAT good.  Thanks to Mom B’s neighbor for the mouthwatering treats that were insanely, ridiculously amazing.  I will be craving these for months…

So anyway…got side-tracked by the culinary cravings…

This (below...see my feet?) was me today…on the porch, and can I tell you something? 

I loved it.  I loved being surrounded by family – happily ensconced in their conversations, laughing kids playing and chatting, and yes, even my own family catching up on the blog posts from the week.  There I sat, quietly capturing each of them, and loving each one of them and being grateful that God has blessed all of us in this way.

Later in the day, I stepped outside while all was quiet inside, and I fell asleep in that same chair for over an hour.  Undisturbed and blissfully unaware, I was soaking up the warm summer air, the ceiling fans pushing cool air down toward me, and the comfort of a recliner on a screened in porch.  Yes, you heard me.  A recliner.  Why not?  It was heaven.  I needed that.  You’ve read my posts, right?  The ones before vacation?  The ones where I am pulling my motherhood hair out and silently screaming for a reprieve?  This might be one of the best naps I’ve ever had – because it was so peaceful.  Only the birds and the sounds of the forest to lull me to sleep.

Memories are being made, practically at warp speed.  I’m so grateful for them.  Are we the perfect family?  No, of course not.  But these images on vacation capture some of the best parts of us – laughing, sharing, talking, resting, being…and that’s what it’s all about.  I can’t wait to share very similar images with you of our time in California last month.  What a wonderful summer we are having…