Lake George Day 1

Hi friends!  I know it's been a hot minute, probably because our crazy lives are always kind of a hot mess.  But hey, there's no better time than the present to catch up!  (Even if I should be studying for midterms or looking for my daughter's missing glasses.  Please send prayers.  Annie's brand-new neurolenses are lurking somewhere around the Great Salt Lake...)

On to happier thoughts: Lake George!  On July 29th our family bid farewell to Quebec and headed down to Lake George.  This was definitely our first time driving south to upstate New York.  The border crossing into the US was much slower than on the way there.

At last!  Our favorite yellow house by the lake.  The plastic snowman was perched and waiting for Papa Kay, hula style.  :)

I suspect Aunt Janet might have had something to do with the intrigue.

Even more special were the gorgeous shirts that Alesia and Katelyn designed and produced (financed by Janet.)  Showcasing the view from the house, the shirts feature both Diamond Island and the Shark Eye.  We love them!  I've even had people at the grocery store stop me to ask where I got my awesome shirt.

With hungry bellies to fill, we didn't allow a little rain to interrupt the barbecue.  Looking at those flames, I think it's a good thing Jason decided against grilling beneath the patio umbrella

Our barbecued brats were the first of many delightful meals together.  Good thing Lake George has the best dining table ever.  Also, the home has lovely walls and a roof.  That may not sound like a big deal, but it actually is.  A while back, a huge tree fell and put a hole in the roof.  Well, the original contractor hired by the Wells family took the job (and a bunch of money) before deciding the project was way beyond his ability to fix.  He walked out on the project, leaving the home exposed to the elements with a giant hole in the roof.  Sad day!  

Once it became obvious that he wasn't going to complete the job, Janet hired a new contractor to put on the roof.  These guys were great, but fortune was still against them.  Right at the moment when they had the roof ripped off, an INTENSE squall unexpectedly passed through.  The storm sat directly over the house pouring buckets as the poor workers struggled in vain to pull tarps over the roof.  Water was streaming through from the attic all the way to the main floor.  Luckily the contractor worked hard to make things right, inspired by Janet and Alesia who were working just as hard alongside.  The ceilings and walls were finished a couple days before we all gathered.  I know the Wells Family put SO MUCH effort into making the home comfortable and lovely for everyone.  In the end, it was splendid, even magical.  Thank you!

Once the rain cleared out, we headed to the water front for some play time.  Anders is ready for fun!

I love seeing big kids play too!

Our baby Brooklyn, college bound!

Alesia, I'm thinking that water looks cold!

Go Eila!

My favoritest man.

When did we all grow up?

Time to move the swim platform into place.

Gregory directing the placement.

Alesia in her happy place.

Here's Annika, trying out her new snorkel gear.

The clouds were incredible.

Thank you, Wells Family and Lake George, for welcoming us once again.   Being with you always feels like home.