Lake Vacation ~ Part One

Last Saturday, we packed up the car and drove 2.5 hours southeast to Smith Mountain Lake.

It. Was. Incredible.

We are definitely going again next summer. We rented a 3 bedroom house with 240 feet of gorgeous shoreline, a dock, and a cute little beach right in our back yard (see pics below).

Wes' mom, dad, and brother met us there on Saturday and stayed until Tuesday around 1pm. Then, Wes, the kids, and I were on our own until Thursday afternoon, when my sister and her boyfriend came over until we all left the lake on Saturday morning. Let's start with the first Saturday.

Saturday

As you can see, the kids were super excited when we first got there.

It didn't take long before we had to go outside and test out the water.

Surprisingly, Vivi ended up walking right in. Not surprisingly, Gavin was right at home in the water. We waded in the water and "swam" for a good 40 minutes before heading back inside for dinner and bedtime.

Sunday

When G & V woke up really early the next morning, Wes and I decided to take them to the playground at Smith Mountain Lake National Park (which was only about a mile from our house). Vivian ruled this playground. She was ridiculously excited about everything there, but mostly the slides. She kept climbing the steps and going down the twisty slide over and over again. On the other hand, Gavin was a bit obsessed with this alligator thingy. We played for a while before walking over to the beach and checking out the scenery.

When we went back to the house, everyone went outside and swam for a few hours. Then, we went out to to dinner. The kiddos were okay. Some days they're great when we take them out to eat, and other times, they're less-than-great. Okay, sometimes they're outright terrible. Thank goodness this wasn't one of those times.

(Okay, maybe it was on the verge. I'm not sure why Viv felt the urge to stick her potatoes on her fingers.)

Near the end of dinner, we took the kids outside to shake out some of their sillies. Wes found a gated area; perfect!

Monday

Monday morning, we ate eggs, sausage, and toast. Then, Viv did the dishes.

Then, Wes and I took G & V outside to play at the beach. This is where my fav photo sequence of the entire week took place.

When we finally made it down to the water, it was time to collect "lakeshells," throw rocks into the water, and actually play in the water a little bit.

Of course when we told Gavin that he could get in the water a little bit, he walked right in. And, he kept walking in until the water was waist-high.

After a nap, the kids ate PB & J for lunch. Well, Viv decided that she was going to take her sandwich pieces apart and scoop out the good stuff. Where does she these ideas from? 

We went to Bridgewater Plaza after lunch and got to see all kinds of fun stuff; including a ton of carp (i.e. gross fish) swimming very close to the surface. The twins were intrigued.

We went out to eat again that night, but unfortunately, the twins were not on their best or even close-to-best behavior. Oh well.

Tuesday

Tuesday morning started off with the four of us going to the little general store down the street. Then, Wes, Gavin, Grandma, and Pop-pop drove over to the marina to pick up our boat for the day. Viv and I stayed behind to run some errands. We went to the post office, cleaned up a bit, ate some popsicles, and got in our suits for the boat ride.

Then, the boat arrived in our back yard!

The kiddos had a LOT of fun on the boat, especially when they got to "drive" with Daddy and watch someone ride the waves in the raft being pulled behind the boat.

First, Uncle Philip gave the raft a try:

Then, it was time for Daddy to try it out:

I was the last one to give it a whirl:

We took the boat back to our house, took the kiddos inside for a nap, and said goodbye to Grandma, Pop-pop, and Uncle Philip.

2011 Lake Vacation Part TWO
2011 Lake Vacation Part THREE

Just a few from the last week

More to come...

Minnie Ears

 

Charlie

Remember when I wrote about how we call Vivi "Inez"? Well, Mr. Gavin also has an alternate name. You see, Gavin is a bit mischievous and funny, and he cannot sit still to save his life. Just like my dad, Charlie. The best part about this is that when we call Gavin "Charlie," he repeats us in a bit of a singing rhythm, "Chaaa-weee, Chaaa-weee!"

Gavin's "Charlie-ness" was clearly demonstrated a few nights ago. When we got home from work and school, Gav and Viv immediately got to work playing in their little kitchenette. Of course, Gavin had to climb it.

Then, he had to play under the kitchen table (all while wearing his sister's pink hat).

After finding the sit-n-spin under the buffet (which was hiding there until they get a little older), he felt the urge to try and "fix" it with his screwdriver.

Finally, the night was closed out with a mess. I left the kitchen to use the bathroom for TWO minutes only to come back to Gavin rubbing his ketchup all over his legs. What's wrong with this kid?

Oh, Charlie.

Hangin' Out

Book Release!

My first book, Make Love, Not Scrapbooks: And 9 Other Research-Based Love Tips to Intensify Your Relationship, is now available on Lulu.com (it will be available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com next month)! Click HERE for a copy.

Make Love, Not Scrapbooks describes ten research-based love tips, in a light-hearted, smart, savvy manner. With insightful quotes from women already in successful relationships, stories from my own love life, and practical ideas for enacting the advice provided scattered through out, the research-based love tips become more meaningful.

Early praise for Make Love, Not Scrapbooks:

Dr. Steve McCornack, Ph.D., author of Reflect & Relate and Associate Professor of Communication and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Michigan State University, explains, "It is rare to find a book that depicts relationships so honestly, provides so much in the way of valid and useful information, and yet is fluid, conversational and engaging throughout. Dr. Jennifer Gill Rosier has done a fantastic job with this book, and I hope that people who are interested in trustworthy advice about relationships buy it!"

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You can read ALL about this book, more about me, and keep up-to-date with upcoming book events by going to www.MakeLoveNotScrapbooks.com!