YOLO: Lake Edition

We pulled the kids out of school early on Friday to join some friends at the lake. It's hard to leave them in school all day when the weather is still so warm and the water is calling!! We had a fantastic time, other than one scare with Griffin, that thankfully had a happy ending.

He was next to me on shore playing with sand, when my friend came struggling to shore with a sinking, waterlogged kayak. I ran to help her pull it on land and get it upright to start draining, and the next thing I saw was Griffin floating in the water while Charlie held him. I ran to Griffin. He was coughing, soaked and scared, but okay. 

After calming him, I asked Charlie what happened and told me, "I saw him floating. His face was in the water so I flipped him over and called you to help." THREE CHEERS FOR CHARLIE 👏👏👏 It was knee deep water, but that's all it takes for a baby. I should never have turned my back, but thankfully 3 year old Charlie was watching when I wasn't. Extra snuggles and prayers for both these sweet boys today.

Before the incident.... Kids having fun jumping and swinging from the tree

Charlie and Rossi filling up a bucket with clay

All the littles chilling in the shade tent

Love this sweet boy who scared me so much

Sammamish Summer Part 4 - Water Fun & Uncle Brent Comes!

Towards the end of our stay, Uncle Brent came to visit for a few days! The kids loved spending time with him. He played games, read books, went tubing, and even helped the kids try waterskiing for the first time. Davey also tried kayaking solo and did great. The kids love being out on the water and the blue mat and wave runner got lots of use. The lake is truly one of our most favorite places!!

Jobe acting as lifeguard from the dock

My chocolate-faced first mate

Uncle Brent has arrived!

Poor Charlie can't go on the boat for even a few minutes without falling asleep

Griffin also got lulled to sleep by the water

First attempt at water skis! Sophie got up briefly but wasn't able to hold on long. It was a good start though and she'll probably be a pro in no time with a bit more practice

I also got a few ski runs in this trip

Fun at the Orca park splash pad

Griffin being a busy 1 year old, getting into everything and following Jobe around everywhere

The kids helped me with this Pixar puzzle

Packing up at the end of the trip is always the worst. So much to gather, clean and fold for 6 people after being here for half a month. It's not a quick process, but so satisfying to have it done. Can't wait until we return next year!

Video: Seattle Summer Fun 2021

Good Times at Lake Mackenzie

I pulled Sophie out of summer camp early one day so we could meet friends at Lake Makenzie. It takes an hour to get there on narrow farm roads where you often never pass another car, but the isolation makes it such a nice getaway. And now that I no longer worry about the van getting stuck on the crazy steep hill to get down, it's a much more enjoyable outing!

We arrived around lunch and stayed almost five hours. The water is warm and the kids always play so well here. Bringing the kayak was a game changer, so much that we bought one of our own afterward. The kids loved being able to explore further out from shore and made a trip over to a dead tree that's in the middle of the lake. Someone had tied a rope to a branch and they had fun using it to swing into the water. Next time I want to bring a bag for my phone so I can take pictures of them jumping from the tree. Griffin naturally made things a little challenging, but I was still able to spend time relaxing in the river tubes or chatting with friends.  

These two lake lovers jumped right in when we arrived

Charlie, on the other hand, stayed on shore while I got us all set up for a day of fun on an empty beach

Griffin was a new walker and the sand took him a bit to get used to

Me, with my friends Candice and Erika

Emery brought her kayak and the kids had fun paddling all over. They rode double, and sometimes even triple because everyone wanted a turn to go out for a cruise.

These two are the cutest friends. I would not be at all sad if they got married one day.

Not the normal way to sit in a chair, but he was pretty proud of himself for figuring out how to get in without any help

These boys never get tired of digging

Griffin loved lounging in the shade and watching everyone else play

Sophie made herself into a mud monster right before it was time to go home. So awesome awesome...

Lake days are fun, but exhausting. I hope the kids have some smidgeon of appreciation for the effort that goes into making them happen.