Laked, baked, bitten and loved

We're back home, and I can say with complete certainty that we enjoyed the heck out of our vacation. We swam; we ate; we played board games and lawn games; we visited with family and laughed a lot; we fished; we boated; and we explored the woods. Everyone got too much sun (even with many sunscreen applications) and too many mosquito bites. The boys learned how to bait a hook, remove a fish from a hook, and pick up a mayfly/fish fly by its wings. I finished four books, Reece read probably six of his level, and Greyson may have read as many as 15 while we were away - I'm sure even he lost count. We even managed to stop at an outlet mall on our way home to get pants for Greyson and tennis shoes for both boys (everything else they need I can purchase without their bodies present).

I can also say that although I am relatively tired today, I also feel very rested and relaxed. The combination of having kids who can do nearly everything for themselves and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins around who volunteer to spend time with my kids gave me plenty of time to read and swim and nap. I would especially like to thank my uncles who patiently taught my kids how to fish (and Greyson to cast), took them fishing numerous times, built bonfires so they could roast obscenely large marshmallows (which, by the way, we don't recommend - the middle never gets mushy before the outside is burnt to a crisp), and answered their neverending questions about all things related to the lake and the grandpa they never knew.

But enough of my blathering - what you really want is to see the pictures, I'm sure:

 Reece getting great-uncle help with fishing off the deck. This was my view from the swing where I read.

 Caught something off the dock - a perch big enough for bait! Reece shows he is not squeamish.

Quality time with a great-aunt. 

Greyson demonstrates his mad kayak skillz. 

 Reece adds up his Yahtzee score while his cousin (really, my cousin's daughter) waits patiently. The specific relationships of people who were at the lake continued to confuse the boys throughout the visit.

Proof that I was there, and also that I know my way around a fishing pole and bait. 

I cannot figure out why some of pictures end up sideways here when they look fine on the computer, and I'm too tired to try to fix it so you'll just have to turn your head sideways.

Vacation, family style

The boys and I are in northern Michigan while Dan slaves away at home on call. Don't feel too sorry for him - his brother is arriving shortly and they will make good use of their bachelor time, I'm sure.

We've only been here a little over 24 hours, and we've already crossed off a couple things from our important activities list and added some we didn't even know were important. First was stopping at A&W in Standish for coney dogs and placing your own order using the antiquated phone on the wall at each table:

Then, once we arrived at our destination, Reece enjoyed the thrill of riding his bike ON THE STREET, which he doesn't get to do at home. But there are no sidewalks in my mom's neighborhood, and there are also not many cars, so he was a free-wheeling boy:

 The boys discovered badminton and my mom's large backyard (which is perfect for chases and wrestling, apparently). They've even gone outside willingly and without having to be told. I fear we now have to buy a house with a bigger yard. They also discovered the game of Tripoly (also called Michigan Rummy - probably mostly in Michigan), which Reece picked right up on and is quite addicted to. No pictures of either activity yet, because I was busy participating in them.

In fact, I know I say this every year, but I really mean it this time, it's SO much easier to do things now that Reece is six! Not only does he not need naps, but he isn't even crabby if we all stay up later than usual and he sleeps in if he needs. And there are almost no tantrums, and those that occur can be headed off pretty quickly. Plus, the boys can both go a ways past a mealtime without serious consequences, and they can eat nearly anywhere without causing huge messes (mostly - Greyson managed to knock over a half glass of milk today) and we can find something they will eat.

Next up was mini-golfing (again, no pics since I was trying to keep up with the boys), where Greyson won almost completely fairly (he got a few mulligans), and the requisite Dairy Queen visit across the street:

We also paid a visit to my dad's grave, since Reece has a fascination with cemeteries and this Monday marks 30 years since my dad died.

Tomorrow is a trip to the inland lake where many of my relatives congregate, and I'm hoping the weather will be nice enough (and warm enough!) to spend nearly all the time outdoors. Really, that's the only way to enjoy being at a lake if you ask me.