Labor Day weekend is one that our kids always look forward to. It has changed over the last 15 years, with sports impacting attendance at the annual cabin retreat. But we keep up the tradition, no matter how tricky it gets. And this year was no different.
Ryan and Regan once again had to stay back for a tournament. They were both sad to miss out on the fun, and we sure missed them!
We found lots of fun to keep us busy. Lincoln never stops moving and adores every second of lake life. He sure lived his best life this year! Sidney had a blast driving the jet ski (escorted by Dave of course), tubing behind both the boat and jet ski, because "mom, the jet ski whips faster in a circle", and hanging out with her cousins that she only sees once/year.
Lincoln took me kayaking
Late night lessons teaching Hope to play Super Smash Bros on his switch
I mastered driving the pontoon without much fear this year. I don't mind driving it, it's parking it on the lift that has always concerned me. This year I didn't even get nervous, despite the waves earlier in the day.
Lincoln loves going "full rottle" on the pontoon. I taught him not to start and stop so abruptly and we all had a much more enjoyable ride :)
Dave took Linc/Sid out on the jet ski each day both to drive it and to be towed. He has the patience of a saint and I'm so thankful for him.
Each night, Lincoln and Lila would go frog hunting while the rest of us sat next to the campfire. They'd come back with this tote filled with frogs. It was seriously shocking how many frogs they could catch in just a few minutes.
And what's a campfire without s'mores!
Lincoln fished everyday, catching mostly seaweed.
He and Grandma Jan love this bench.
Our little daredevil had to jump off the pontoon any chance he could. It wasn't until after he was in the water did we realize there wasn't a ladder to climb back up :)
Olivia, Sidney, Lila and Lincoln
(missing Regan)
Sidney was not interested in her photo being taken this year. You should've seen the face she made until I told her this was going on the blog. Thanks for smiling!
Shane and Lila took Lincoln out on their boat a few times to fish. I'm not sure who talks more out there: Lila or Lincoln. Poor Shane had to listen to all of it :)
Early morning fishing, with bedhead and squinty eyes.
Thankful for Grandma Jan for pulling us together every year, even if we had to leave 2 behind.
Just a boy and his rod/reel
We have the ultimate swimming set up with a slide, lilypad and diving dock. The kids love it!
Their expressions and looks just before the tube took off. I think they were plotting how to intentionally fall off!
Hope was able to drive 2 days all the way from California to spend a night with us; and we are soooooo happy to see her! It's been 1.5 years since we've seen the whites of her eyes.
Sidney stayed up until midnight soaking in all of her advice and stories.
That's a wrap!
