A few parting shots...

Last night I downloaded the rest of the photos off the camera from our week at the lake, and this morning it takes me back those memories of up north (as I procrastinate doing everything that has to be done after being gone for 9 days). :o)

Highlights, thoughts, and memories that I don't want to forget...

** Taylor seems to really like the boat - slightly uncomfortable life jacket and all - and I think part of the draw is that she doesn't have to be strapped into a seat like she does in the car

** Iced nonfat lattes are really really good (I have found a new treat (addiction?!)...thanks, mem! :o))

** The sound of lake waves do equal great naps - for children and adults alike

** My attempts at solving the crossword puzzles in the D. Free Press were not very successful, but were a good way to learn new words and boost one's vocabulary! (and also made me realize just how much Ryan really knows...seriously!...he was like my walking talking dictionary/thesaurus/encyclopedia)

** Sandy beach + lake + natural stream = a great outdoor playground

** It doesn't seem to matter where you go - kids menu items seem to contain pretty limited (greasy) fare

** Going to lunch and dinner by boat is one of the best ways to travel

** Sand can get stuck anywhere and everywhere...sometimes a naked bath for a toddler in the lake is necessary

** Euchre is a great way to end the night...even if you sometimes GET euchred :o)

** Pulling away a 17 month month old from fun things inside stores can cause quite the tantrum

** Being woken up early every morning on your vacation by a little person crawling on the bed, giving hugs, and exclaiming "hi dada!" is not a bad way to start the day (right, Ry?? :o))

** Riding a bike is one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise there is, especially when you get to do it with family

** To piggy back off the last one - riding up the streets of a ski resort can be tough, but the downhill afterward makes it all worth it

** Books can sometimes be read 4, 5, or 6 times in a row...favorites this week were "Tails" and "Peek-a-Zoo"

** I can't wait for next year so we can do it all over again...


Little miss blue eyes

 Silly girl...with grandma and grandpa

Playing with dad in the stream (water from a natural underground spring) - it was REALLY cold water, but Taylor didn't seem to mind at all!