There is no better place to spend a weekend of 100 degree temperatures than at a cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This weekend marked the 8th annual lake weekend with the Hughes and Hainsworths and like we say every year, it was our best year ever. I think half our fun is reminiscing about past years and remembering traumatic experiences that now seem charming and funny.
We laughed our head off thinking of poor Betsy being mooned by Tony and walking in on a butt-naked Jason all on the same weekend. I remembered the year I slept half the night on the hammock on the dock with a screaming Cooper who had a terrible ear infection.
We can't forget all of the injuries that Tony has sustained; broken hand, perforated eardrum, fascial rope burn and the blessing it has been that they all happened to him and not one of the kids. None of those injuries ever stopped him from skiing, we note. Our only trauma this year was a very sick little Emma who literally stayed in bed and the bathroom the whole weekend. It broke your heart to look at her because she loves to be at the lake and in the water. We took the Black Squirell with us this year, and of course something broke. I was really proud of Tony because he and a yacht club employee were able to fix it. Tony is learning a lot about boat repair this year!
Both Friday and Saturday the adults had great ski time. Everyone but me was able to master the wakeskate; both Betsy and Andrea made it look like a piece of cake. I managed to clear my sinuses and provide several entertaining falls. One of the happiest parts of my weekend was watching the boys together. With Jackson as the ring-leader and Eli as designated comedian, the boys spent the whole weekend watching endless Indiana Jones movies, navigating wild tube rides and mastering the wake skate. I love the friendship that the boys have and the acceptance they feel with each other. We didn't hear one word of complaint or whining and Jonah especially, was the first to express gratitude. Anna, Lily and Eliza were thick as thieves and Cooper loved kayaking and giving rides to the little ones. This was John's first year at the lake. He loved the tube and was very brave in the water. Max, not so brave in the water, but liked playing on the beach with the toys.
On Friday night the adults went for dessert at the hotel and a walk on the boardwalk. The desserts were fabulous, but of course we go for the conversation and time alone. We really missed James most this night; he wasn't able to come on this trip. What we have learned from our trips together is that we have the most fun when we keep things simple (food, clothes, activites) and focus on making memories. I am very lucky to have friends who not only show me up on the wakeskate, but also on showing patience to their families . I learn so much from both the lemon sisters.
I really fell in love with Tony this weekend again (for the millionth time) as I watched him driving a boat full of kids in the hot sun for 2 hours and loving it. I love that he plays so hard. I must get that man a bimini top for the boat so he doesn't get sun stroke.
Other good news of the weekend was that Evalie was born on Saturday July 14th. She has long lashes, chubby cheeks and several very cute chins. I can't believe my baby brother is a Dad! Stacey had to have a C-section after pushing for 2 hours, but she looks great and everyone is healthy. Also, Tony's Mom and Dad were set apart as missionaries today. They will be running the Deseret Industries in St George. They will be amazing and we are very proud of them.
We have another wonderful week of hot weather and Wilson turns 11 on Tuesday. As always, the only thing that could be bettter in our lives would be a certain small Guatemalan boy home safe. We are back in PGN and can begin counting down 8 weeks again. Better luck this time.
1 comment:
Max is always lurking in the shadows. I guess he wants any evidence that he may have enjoyed a boat experience to be minimal.
Post a Comment