4th of July

Lucky us, we got an amazing weekend up at Priest Lake for the fourth of July.  The weather was amazing and the time with family even better.

The highlights included:

• Boat rides with a crazy boy who loves to "drive the wheel", but who couldn't resist being put to sleep by the gentle roll of the water and hum of the engine.  He'd beg to sit on papa's lap and then would seriously fall asleep with hands on the wheel.  It was adorable!

• Father son fishing.

• Catching the fish that nibbled on my toes as I hung my feet over the edge of the dock.  Christopher didn't believe me so I repeatedly (and bravely!) stuck my feet in to show him that I wasn't making it up, but somehow Chris would miss it every time.  Finally on the fourth time, he saw it but told me it was just a tiny little fish.  When the big boys got back from fishing, we decided to try to catch the toe nibbler and within 3 seconds of putting the lure in the water, we had our guy.  Funny, the "tiny little fish" that was nibbling my toes ended up being much larger than the fish that Chris had caught while fishing with Eric.  Take that!  

No fishing escapade is complete without "kissing the huge fish" as Grady called him. 

• Lots of time soaking up the sun, watching fireworks, and catching up on life on this gorgeous dock.

• Watching "daddy go on the skateboard" (otherwise known as a water ski).  It was so cute, when Chris fell and we drove around to pick him up, Grady yelled out of the the boat, "You OK daddy?"  I never tire of watching my man look so good on his ski.  And this year I got to avoid the nerves associated with attempting to waterski myself.  That is one certain perk of pregnancy!

• We spent hours, I mean HOURS, on the beach.  We looked for frogs, picked up rocks, shoveled sand, jumped in the water and just had a good old time.   This was definitely Grandma's special place with Grady.  He set aside his traditional "hold you mommy" obsession with not caring at all if I was even there. Grady's heaven is throwing rocks on this little beach with Grandma.

"Froggy sleeping right der."

• Celebrating July 4th with one of our very favorite veterans.  The day was complete with BBQed burgers and hot dogs, lots of flag waiving and a great fireworks display from Hills, which we watched while covered under blankets on the dock - no better way to watch fireworks!   

• Grady got to experience Papa's first magical walk to Forrest 1 and Forrest 2 where they took cereal to leave for the animals.  I love how Papa just took Grady out impromptu one morning still in jammies to experience the wonder of the forest.  This was so so sweet and something that Papa has shared so sweetly with all of the grandkids.

• After one big tantrum, Grady seemed to understand that if he wanted to "drive boat with Papa" he needed to wear his magic vest.  This was much improved over last years tantrums that were so big that Grady was all but banished from the boat.   Hooray for progress and for a little boy who is now a boating pro!  

Other great memories (not pictured):

• Eating hor d'oeuvre on the boat on a sunset cruise.
• Finding a new Moosie (Grady's favorite stuffed animal that was missing an eye and a lot of stuffing!)
• Watching Grady obsess over playing "Grandma Hide" and watching Grandma's never ending patience of playing Grandma Hide for hours and hours.
• Watching Eric attempt to gallop.  Gallopping is Grady's new thing and he does it all the time.  Papa looked at him and said, I don't know if I have ever gaolloped.  We made him try.   It was a sight not to be missed.   Apparently galloping takes practice.
• The traditional father son cribbage game.   I will never understand cribbage and I am OK with that.
• Two awesome uneventful flights with Grady.   Again, hooray for progress!   Too bad we are starting all over again soon!
• Walking to Hills to get ice cream treats. 
• Eating about 5 lbs of licorice along with the rest of the delicious snacks and meals prepared by Kim.
• Reminiscing about visits past and looking forward to visits in the future - what a perfect weekend!

It is so crazy to think that next summer we'll have two little boys to share this special place with.  I couldn't imagine a better place to let our boys roam free and spend wonderful summer days.

Looking large. . .  feeling good. 

Oh Priest Lake how we love you.  Cannot wait to see you again in August!!!!