New Hobbies

 After we returned from the cabin, Ramsey wanted a diamond painting.  Because he loves all things military and war, I bought him a soldier painting and another patriotric print.

And, he'd been dying to learn how to play chess.  He still hasn't mastered checkers, but he insisted to learn chess!

He's been doing rather well and improving a lot!  He doesn't like to lose and no one seems to go very easy on him.  AHEM.  Dad.  Cough cough!  🤨😁😉

Other inside family activities/hobbies with Mom and Dad include playing "Sorry!" (and kicking our butts to boot!).   

Cabin Trip

 Our cabin trip was cut short, due to water levels (fear of more rain at home, causing dock/lift/pontoon to be damaged).   And, since our trip was late, we missed spending time with Cory, Troy, Sarah, Sadie, and Isaac.    We did LOVE seeing Nana, Bumpa, and the puppies though.  Jango was happy to see other dogs!

The trip up was cute, but the two littlest boys were constantly messing with each other.  Sometimes it was sweet, sometimes it got a little wild.  Posting pics of the sweet times only. 🤣

Nana and Bumpa's puppies (Bailey and Riley) got lots of extra attention when the boys were around, snuggling in where ever they could find room. 

For inside activities, Bumpa played word games with Ramsey on the iPad.

And, Nana showed Ramsey how to do a "diamond painting".   Ramsey stayed with it for quite a while at various times!

We left earlier again, due to concerns with Nana K and water levels.   We are looking forward to another trip to see everyone soon!  🥰😍

Happy 4th of July

 Our 4th this year was quite different than normal years.  We had to push our trip to the cabin back a few days to accommodate all of the goings-on.

Nana K had been in the hospital for five days (June 27-July 1) and had to be released into a nursing home.  Over the weekend, I drove in daily so she could get some physical therapy she desperately needed in order to get out of the nursing facility and back into her apartment.  Long story.  Ugh.

And, Connor was scheduled to work (a very busy time at the lake where he was able to make a nice chunk in tips).

Early on the evening of July 3rd, a jet fly-by had been scheduled.  Apparently our area has the largest number of privately owned jets, so they made it a "thing" to fly over.   Many missed it, due to the clouds and where they flew over on the lake. 

At dark, the same evening, the lake association had planned to have the fireworks display on the point, near our house.  Due to unsatisfactory weather conditions (large storms rolling through with heavy rains and hail), the fireworks were postponed to another time (date yet TBD).  

Instead of watching fireworks, Eric, Ramsey, and I watched/listened to Sabaton videos on YouTube (Ramsey jammed out a LOT - gave himself a [not-so-] mild case of whiplash.

And, we put a puppy puzzle together while the thunder roared outside.

During the pouring rain, Eric had decided to go down to the lake to remove the panels from dock, knowing it would become submerged again.  And, he certainly didn't want to have to go diving for the panels later.   Prior to our departure to the cabin, he tired the pontoon to the lift on all four corners to ensure it wouldn't "go anywhere".   Ugh...

Summer Flower-Watering

 Me:  "Ramsey, do you want to come outside with me and help me water the flowers?"

Ramsey:  "Sure!"

Private Swimming Lessons

 Ramsey had swim lessons earlier this year.  Though he made progress (submerging his head under water with a held breath), he didn't pass to the next level, so he was rather discouraged.  

His issue: floating.  He just didn't get the hang of it.   Eric and I figured that he just needed some more one-on-one personal attention for longer periods of time.

While I was at work, Eric has been swimming with Ramsey, teaching him how to float and swim more.

We agreed that after just one "Daddy & Me lesson", Ramsey had already surpassed what he would have needed to do in order to pass Level II Swim at the YMCA.  He was doing... amazing!

He is getting braver and braver.   Before we know it, he'll be swimming like a fish and jumping off the dock!

Finally... Pontooning!

 FINALLY!  After battling the water levels and getting everything set up, we are ready to roll on the pontoon for the summer. Wahoo!

Jango... well, Jango was pleased as punch.  Soak it in, pup!

Connor had to work, so we went out after I could get away from my job too.   Ramsey played tug with Jango for a while... until we caught a fish.  

Then, it was all hands on deck... er, in the live well!    Ramsey always loves playing with the fish we catch.  Poor fish... but, it keeps him occupied and entertained.

I enjoyed the family camaraderie, the glide of the toons over the water, and the gorgeous skies.  It was heavenly.  This Spring had been challenging, but finally, just at the cusp of summer, we're boating on the lake!   (I was really beginning to wonder.)

After Jango's excitement, he did settle down near my feet.  Much of his time was spent peering out the troll motor door.  There were many times I thought he was going to jump in!    

And, on this first expedition for the pup, he seemed "concerned" when we would troll/crank by our house; he would cry and scream when we would pass it.  I guess he may have missed home?  

We stayed on the water long enough to see a beautiful sunset.  This... this is my happy place!

Play Time

 ...always makes my heart happy to see the boys playing.  Jango's too, as he got lots of love and play attention tonight.  He's made strides in his dock jumping this year!  

Last year, he "flumped" (plopped/fell) into the water a few times, then decided he didn't like it much.  This year, he's jumping in and loving it all!   This is my view from the deck, while making supper.  Love it!