Underwater at the Lake House

Last weekend the boys and I spent some time at the lake house with my mom and her cousin, Cindie. I didn't take a lot of photos - none at all with my big camera - but I did take some underwater photos with my point and shoot. 

I am still not very good at underwater photos, but I did like some of the ones I got of the boys this time. It was fun now that they can both swim completely unassisted. 

Ethan kept practicing - and got pretty good at - doing a hand stand under water. 

This next one we got by having the boys jump off the waterfall into the deep end where I was waiting.

We also took the boat out for a spin and jumped off it into the lake. I sometimes think I like the photos this camera takes underwater better than the above water ones. But, it did allow me to have it in the water to take these. 

They had trouble jumping at the exact same time. In this next photo, Ethan is the splash you see at the bow of the boat. 

I have no idea what thoughts were going through their heads at this moment, but it resulted in some funny expressions. 

Fair Thanksgiving | 2014

This year we had our Thanksgiving with the Fairs at the lake house again. We drove over there Friday evening after leaving Waxahachie. As excited as the boys were to be there, it was past their bedtime and they fell asleep immediately after getting in bed after the full day we'd had.

The next day, Saturday, was when we had our Thanksgiving meal. The day was beautiful and pretty warm...in the 70s. Still windy. The fall colors are on display this time of year...at the end of November. Oh, Texas. 

But thanks to the beautiful day, the boys were able to play outside while all of the serious cooking was going on inside. I had stayed up the night before until about 11pm making two pies...a pumpkin tart and a chocolate fudge pie. 

Pop played catch with Ethan for a while. He (Ethan) is getting much better at throwing straight and catching the ball. 

It was such a successful practice for him and he was so excited every time he caught the ball. 

The boys played inside a little too. They always love playing with the toys at the lake house. 

We had a beautiful and (almost) full table. 

I love my mom's holiday plates and the copper-colored chargers. 

The boys look ready for the meal...despite the fact that they do not appreciate all the sides like we do. 

Speaking of sides, I really think this is one of our best Thanksgiving meals in several years. Or at least in recent memory for me. We had a smoked turkey like we've been doing the last few years. With gravy and dressing, of course. Then, we had creamed corn, roasted green beans, corn bread, and perhaps the star of the show (in my opinon), mashed potatoes with gouda and crispy pancetta. 

After the meal we all went our own ways to spend the afternoon how we'd like. I had just settled down on the couch to read when a certain little boy came and cuddled with me. I was surprised to find, not five minutes later, that he was asleep. This never happens. But I guess all the celebrating plus going to bed late and waking up early is a perfect recipe for a spontaneous nap. I loved having him sleep on me...something neither of the boys has done in a long time. He slept for probably 30-45 minutes before reluctantly waking up. 

Other afternoon activities included a game of spades. This game wrapped up before we got leftovers out and then picked up again when Casey and I took the place of a couple of players. This was the first time since the boys were born (I think) that I've had time to play cards at a family gathering. We used to do it all the time. And it was really fun to do it again. I was afraid I wouldn't remember how to play after so long, but it all came back to me. 

We went to bed after the last game ended. Then, we left for home the next day about mid-morning. We'd had a whirlwind few days with family with a lot of great food thrown in there. 

At the Lake House with the Cookes

We were actually able to find a weekend this summer to go to the lake house with most of Casey's immediate family, plus his grandparents. Everyone came out Friday night and we got started with the fun first thing on Saturday morning with a boat ride.

It takes a bit of effort to get people all ready, sunscreened (I'm making that a word), outfitted, and out of the house. So, we were (or at least I was) a little pooped before we even got going. Thankfully, my main job on the boat was to photograph and make sure no small children went overboard. No big deal. 

Both of our boys were so ready to get going by this time that they couldn't even bring themselves to turn around for a photo. Must look at the water...

After driving around for a bit (heading to Hell's Gate), the engine warning light and sound came on. It was a piercing sound that would not be ignored. And we hadn't even started the tubing yet. But, after a little poking around, it seemed that the engine had just gotten overheated a little. We cooled it off by staying put for a while and then taking it easy when driving. Finally, after we felt like it might be okay, we let all the boys pile into the huge tube and have some fun. 

They definitely had some fun...

And the adults had fun watching them. I have no idea why Casey and his dad are holding the ropes. I suppose so they don't go over and drag behind the boat...but why not just store them? Oh, well...they seem to be enjoying themselves...and looking like we are actually on a sail boat. 

This is one of two photos of me from the entire weekend...thanks to my sister-in-law Chelsea for both of those photos. 

Casey and his brother, Jeff, took turns driving the boat. Both great captains. 

Papaw took turns holding his grandchildren. He's great at that too. 

Of course Logan needed a snack. He's chilling next to uncle Jeff too. 

Here's a photo of all the cousins. Minus Jack (who was 3 months old and taking a nap) and Colby, the oldest cousin who was with aunt Linda (his mom) on a mission trip. 

Later that afternoon, after we'd had lunch and a little rest time, the boys were begging to go to the pool. It's like they have endless energy. Throw a little food their way and they are good to go. So go we did. 

Memaw and Papaw Cooke were there for the weekend too. They stayed behind and didn't ride on the boat, but they came out to the pool to watch the kiddos swim. 

Logan is super-proud of his swimming prowess now that he can do it by himself. 

When you've got two uncles and a Papaw around to toss kids in the air, you know it's going to happen. Ethan, being the lightest of the three boys willing to be thrown, got up pretty high...

And it's hardly a surprise that the boys tossed around the sponge football in the pool for a very long time. 

When Logan got tired of showing off his swimming skills in the big pool, he splashed around the toddler pool with Papaw and cousin Avery for a while. 

The bigger boys practiced their jumps. 

After a full, full day of activity, even after dinner we were not done yet. Because...s'mores. They don't look tired at all, do they?

Time to begin...

Ethan's technique is to stay as far away from the fire as possible while still warming (not toasting) his marshmallow. 

Logan may actually be asleep. Anyone who has looked at a fire for a while knows just how mesmerizing it can be. Especially when you're tired already. He's not even trying to warm his marshmallows. 

But he perks up when his s'more is ready to eat. Yes, there is still energy for that. 

Both of the boys came to life for the eating part. Not that I blame them. Chocolate (and the other ingredients...but really the chocolate) motivates me as well. 

Casey's dad and Papaw Cooke are part of the Cooke Brothers musical group...and they specialize in Bluegrass music. But, they can also sing without instruments. And Casey and his brother Jeff joined in for a few rounds of a capella singing. More than a few rounds, actually. 

We played around the fire until after dark, getting sticky and messy and really tired. Sometime after dark we shut the party down (at least for my kids) and put them to bed. I think they fell asleep before their heads hit the pillow. 

The next morning was Sunday and we all had "church" at the table. Then everyone started leaving throughout the day. This was such a great weekend to get together and just relax and have fun. There's nothing like creating memories with your cousins (and other relatives) during the summer at a lake house. It's so true it's almost cliche. And we'll have to do it again.