Life in the Slow Lane

Our time at the lake house this year was from July 17-22, which was a really hot week! It was great for being in the water, and we really enjoyed that. We did have to escape the heat now and then, for some indoor activities such as games or some screen time for the kiddos. And most of the group took in a movie at a theater one afternoon.

This post will probably be mostly pictures, maybe not so many words. We'll see if I can hold to that.

First evening, enjoying the sand and water

Hope got re-acquainted pretty quickly

with Uncle Matt and Aunt Cheryl

Bubble fun! The bubble "guns" I bought for the kids weren't exactly what I was expecting them to be, but they had a lot of fun with them anyway.

Our special guest "Benny the dog"

made it into this picture.

And Grandpa made it into this one.

Abby was very popular as the Jet Ski driver. The kids loved their rides with her, and always were asking for more.

Abby and Evan

Abby and Jeremiah

Abby and Josie

The big yellow raft was our gift to Jens in appreciation for the use of his house. We certainly enjoyed using it, and hope that he and his guests get lots of enjoyment from it as well.

Neil with Evan and Josie

Matt, Jeremiah, Evan and Josie

Three of the ladies---we didn't

stay quite that close to the shore!

Tuesday afternoon Roger and Sheryl drove up to see us, and stayed for dinner--pulled pork smoked in the Big Green Egg. Yummy! Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to document their visit. Later that evening we had a fire and made s'mores.

Photo bomb by Evan!

I think I caught someone in

mid-bite--sorry, Abby!

Mouth full of s'mores!

Wednesday was our "Chicago Day." We drove to Abby and Neil's apartment and took the train from there to downtown. The train ride was a highlight for the kids!

Lunch at Shake Shack--part of the group

The "Bean"

You can almost see us reflected in it.

Maggie Daly Park was a big hit with all the kids. It was another hot, humid day, so the water features were very popular. We were thankful that we didn't lose anyone in the crowds of children, and we left with the same number that we had come with.

Hope like sliding with Auntie Abby...

...and without her!

Great way to cool off!

(I was jealous of the kids at this point!)

I had great idea--to get a picture of all four kids in the mouth of whatever sea creature this is supposed to be. One of those ideas that didn't really work out so well. These were the best I could do. Believe me, the others were worse.

Hmm, where's Hope?

And where's Evan?

All 4 mostly visible, but only

2 looking at the camera

There's Evan!!

And there's Hope!!

We took an extra walk over to Buckingham Fountain, hoping to catch the big display (and maybe get to cool off from the spray.) But apparently they weren't doing the big display due to construction of a stage going on nearby. Oh, well.

This also took many tries with multiple phone cameras!

All worn out!!

J is for Josie and Jeremiah....

and Jackson!

Thursday was Boat Day! After Matt and I went out to find a farm stand to get some sweet corn (and apple cider donuts!) we packed a lunch and went out on the pontoon boat. The weather didn't really co-operate for this, and Neil had a challenge trying to avoid the rain storms that were blowing through. It was a fun ride anyway, even though we had to cut it a bit short.

Thursday was the only day that we had everyone together. Ben came out two different times, and Adam was only able to come from Wednesday afternoon until Friday morning because of his new job.

Friday was our last day, and we enjoyed some time in the water before packing up and leaving. The neighbor brought over his kayak for us to use, which was really nice.