Update of sorts

Hello friends from my perch overlooking Lake Erie on this gorgeous morning! Each summer (even last summer when I even needed aids to walk and it was very grueling!) we 'summer' for a month or so at the lake. Scott has to go home during the week for work, but is with us all he can--we are so fortunate to only live 60 minutes from here. I cannot say enough about this beautiful retreat my father-in-law built that we all love. Our girls start asking in January how many days until we enjoy lake life--ladies after my own heart!! We have a pool, an amusement park, kayaks, boats, a jetski, a paddleboard and more--it's better than summer camp here! Plus there's minimal TV, no DVR and LOTS of reading and crafting for all. So we always go home relaxed and rejuvenated. This is an amazing break from reality and we all cherish it so much.

 

 

We are so fortunate that each year, our time at the lake house includes a festive fourth of July celebration including a bike parade, potluck brunch, kid games, kid crafts, swimming, boating and of course fireworks. The girls soak it up--it always means as much as Christmas to them!

 

 

For the past few years, my cousin Chloe has joined us at least some of the time at Lake Erie and always celebrates Independence Day with us. This year Anna, our babysitter who is like another member of our family, also came. We had a great time eating breakfast, watching the bike parade, relaxing by the pool, watching fireworks and more with them! I even got to enjoy a nap. It was almost a perfect day except we were missing Scott's brother Ryan and his fiancé Jenna who usually join us for a long weekend from California. It wasn't the same without them!

 

 

The following day, we took a boat ride to Vermillion (Jaden's suggestion, my favorite!). Though the water is high and dirty (we've had a crazy summer and LOTS of rain and storms--very abnormal!) it was beautiful as always!

 

As we continue to enjoy this time at the lake, I'm looking forward to making this journal of our life a priority :) Stay tuned for more entries!