Livin' the Lake House Life

Oh how we were looking forward to a whole week at the lake! The weather cooperated beautifully, it was 80+ and sunny every day. I think in the week we were there it rained at night only once.

We packed up our family the first day of July and headed north. Our plan was to leave late and skip the evening rush and traffic into Wisconsin; plus Layla would probably sleep most of the way. It worked, for the most part. We missed most of the traffic, but Layla did not fall asleep until almost 10. We arrived at Allie's house just after 1 and had to do the bedtime routine with stories, etc., to get her back to sleep.

Saturday, we were able to stop and have a quick visit with the Haacks. It was so fun to see the kids play together. We have missed seeing them! Traffic up to the lake was not such smooth sailing. Apparently, we were the only ones that thought driving on Saturday morning would be better than Friday night. I guess it was the busiest weekend of the year, but still. Thank goodness for gps, we took some alternative routes, that's for sure.

We were thrilled to spend some time with Uncle Rick & Aunt Sue, plus Cousin Michael, and Wife Heidi and finally get to meet Olivia! Olivia and Layla are about 4 months apart in age. Since this part of our family lives down in Louisiana, we don't get to see them very often. It was wonderful that all of our plans were able to come together for a few days at the lake.


This is the best picture I got of the two of them together. It is hard to take a picture of one two year old, but two together is next to impossible. Plus, Olivia is not yet sure what she thinks of me...... We found her to be absolutely delightful! The last night they were there we all enjoyed a fireworks display ON OUR LAKE. The Ryan family who are basically directly across from us were hosting a 75 year anniversary of being on the lake and having a huge family reunion. The fireworks must have been done professionally, because they were awesome!


After the departure of the Lousiana Lindahls it was time to gear up for the Fourth. Dad was quite prepared with decor for the boat parade, including water guns. We were the best looking boat on the lake!


Mike and Danielle joined us for a few days as well. And....we rented a jet ski. Now, my whole life my Dad has HATED these things. But, apparently since he has a jet boat now, it's not such an issue. We had a great time. Well mostly, Danielle was not to thrilled about going fast and definitely NOT going on the tube fast. The guys were keen to take each other out and about and try and throw the tuber off. We watched from the dock; I did take a trip around the lake with Jason at the helm and it was fast and furious!



Here's Layla's swimming adventure:
Day 1: screaming and clawing Mommy
Day 2: sit on dock with Pappa and Grandma and splash in water
Day 3: walk down the ladder into water, furiously clutching Mommy; coaxed in by Daddy.
Day 4: swim and jump off the dock
Day 5: swim and jump off the boat
Days 6-14: more swimming, more swimming, more swimming

She is still talking every day about Pappa's boat and going swimming with Pappa and Grandma. We took her to the pool last week so she could swim some more and she LOVES it. I am so happy and relieved. She like the pool last summer, but then I didn't keep up with it and couldn't get her back in more than knee height at the indoor pool this spring.

First swim off the boat! Yes, I cried I was so happy!
It turns out that life jackets are not so horrible if it means you get to swim.

Swimming back and forth between Mommy and Pappa.

Turtle races are kind of a big deal in Nisswa. When I was a kid, you had to bring your own turtle or pay to rent one. We were pretty good at finding turtles so it generally wasn't a problem. Now, when you go there is a turtle racing fleet and your entrance fee ($4) includes your turtle.

The races are on Wednesdays and naturally the week of the fourth is pretty packed. We got into town right at one, the announcer was already calling the first race. I say to Dad, "I hope we don't miss it!!". He says, "Don't worry, it goes on for awhile". Of course, he was right. Mom and I went to the booth while Dad, Jas and Layla found a spot on the ring. We registered and received our button, which was contestant #586. Obviously, a silly worry. (Also, it's kind of a racket. They sold $2400 worth of tickets for a roughly one and half hour event.)

20 people race at a time and it's not restricted to kids! The race pretty quickly and soon enough it was our turn. Layla reached right out to hold her turtle. The race is a big circle, you start in the middle and race to the outside ring, pouring water on your turtle (since it was hot out). We didn't win, but we had a lot of fun. Layla wanted to visit the 'fleet' after and hold more turtles.


Here's the sunset from our last night up north. It was gorgeous! Allie was there and we had a great dinner and evening together. In the morning (Saturday), Jason and I packed the truck to the gills with our 'new' snow blower, hoses, sprinklers and timers (THANKS MOM AND DAD!!!). Layla was staying on with Grandma and Pappa for a few more days and they would drive her back to Chicago the following Thursday.

It was one of the best vacations we have had. It's so much fun now that Layla can enjoy the activities, and the relaxing too.

Layla relaxing. If she wants you to relax with her she'll let you know by patting the seat and saying, "relax Mommy, relax." She is no stranger to the lake living.