But, when we're there, we always have a nice enjoyable time fishing, tubing, watching fireworks, going for pontoon rides, and just hanging out in general.
This year, of course, was no different.
Sidenote: This will be THE LONGEST post I think I have ever put together. Proceed with caution. ha!
On to our story...
It was a relatively calm day on Saturday, perfect enough for the kids to light off and chase parachutes.
Ramsey was trying to use "the force" to make the parachutes fall.
Then it was time to hit the water. The "big kids" jumped on the water trampoline while Ramsey (and Riggs) hung out in the toddler pool.
Pretty soon though, he had company. :-) Connor, Sadie, and Isaac were so sweet to Ramsey, playing with him and splashing around. The little neighbor girl, Hadley, also came over to play.
Ramsey loves to attack his Big Brubby Connor.
Nice Brubby!
Splashing is awesome!
Hadley had her own pool. Ramsey found that she had many fun toys in her pool and he liked to go back and forth, playing in both of them!
Everyone needed a rest after playing so hard.
In the evening, there was some rough-housing with the cousins.
And also some nice down-time, snuggling.
Awwww!!!
Each day was filled with so many things to do! The kids did a lot of paddle-boating each day. Much of the time, they paddled around the point, harassing pelicans and making up funny stories about them and their pelican "army" and soap-opera'ish lifestyles. Kids! ha!
They did manage to come back with a turtle one morning (caught it in their net), who, incidentally, hurriedly (or as quickly as a turtle can muster) scooted back to the water!
And there were fireworks to shoot off, which also meant little army men to blow up!
As the boys lit off fireworks, Ramsey played with the army guys and hung out with with the fam, especially Cousin Sadie.
and Uncle Troy too.
During the evening, us "old kids" got a little competitive and played Corn Hole tournaments.
Another day at the lake was perfect for water fireworks! The kids had a hayday, throwing water firecrackers into shallow waters, blasting tiny bullheads (sorry PETA).
Some of the baby bullheads were nearly bulletproof! Poor fishies!!
As the laughter and commotion grew, it drew more of us to watch.
Nana and Ramsey watched from inside the house. Poor Riggsy whined, as he had to watch from the deck.
For the first round of nighttime fireworks (Saturday night), instead of taking the pontoon up to the northern part of the lake to watch a show, we all sat on the deck and watched the huge display that was just across the lake. (My picture-taking here is lacking. Oops)
July 4th proved to be a fun-filled day of activities.
After our picture-taking with the cousins (see earlier post), Ramsey wanted to run loose and play with Riggs.
And, apparently he was itching to get out of the heat and into some cool water!
What is a trip to the lake without tubing?!?! We were lucky that the 4th was a rather calm day; ideal for pulling the kids on the water.
In the clear blue sky above, a local aviator showed off his bi-plane, flying low to the lake and performing rolls and such.
Awesomely enough, the plane had a cool nostalgic name; The Red Baron!
While Connor, Sadie, and Isaac water-tubed, Ramsey had his own version of tubing (inside the house).
He had a ball, engulfing himself in the tire inflatable rings. He encouraged us all to cover him in them also, since he couldn't get all four stacked on himself!
The second round of nighttime fireworks (Monday) was in a small nearby town that puts on a fabulous display every year.
All of the kiddos had a great time, even "the big kids" who aren't too old to enjoy the wonderland. :-)
Bumpa came over to play too. :-)
Wanting to be like Isaac, Ramsey was eager to play on the digger too. Sweetly, Isaac helped his little cousin.
Connor found a fun over-sized tire swing.
He invited Sadie and Isaac to get on and go for a wild ride.
Uncle Troy "helped them out" and gave them a big spin.
After we returned to the cabin, the kids played a little more, until it was time for Auntie Sarah, Uncle Troy, Sadie, and Isaac had to go home.
~~~~~~~~~
Luckily, the boys had beautiful weather for a fishing trip up north on Wednesday.
Bumpa caught a northern and brought it back for Ramsey to see.
Ramsey actually gave the fish a kiss! Bleh! ha!
Eric tried to release the fish back into the water, but after 15 minutes of trying (then Connor trying), they finally gave up... and decided he'd make a good supper.
Early that evening, we went out for a pontoon ride. The lake was like glass; breathtaking!
Even though we live on the lake, Ramsey hasn't been out much, so he was a bit hesitant. But, after Daddy pointed out the pelicans, he was engrossed in seeking more birds.
Later that evening, Connor went on the paddle boat again and came back with a nice small-mouth bass! Throughout the week, the toddler pool became a fish "holding tank" until they were cleaned. Yes, we dumped the pool each night!!! :-)
Eric, Connor, and Bumpa went fishing with Uncle Troy on Friday, veering off of the lake and boat-fishing on a nearby slough. They had great luck and came back with a cooler-full of fish!
Ramsey got in some good "Bumpa Time" while Daddy and Connor were cleaning fish.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch while the men-folk were gone fishing that day, Ramsey went into the pool again and helped Nana "do some chores", watering the plants.
Our last night at the cabin was Friday. Connor and Riggsy hung out and relaxed together on the floor.
And then Ramsey joined in too, not wanting to be left out.
Until next year...!
