Last week at The Lake with Gigi

We went to the Lake Cabin in northern Idaho to visit my Grandmother, Gigi, my parents, Auntie Susie, my brother Josh, and the Darlings.  We were also there for the 4th of July for fireworks.  I don't have photos of that evening but we walked down to a neighbor's dock and sat there while the fire works went off above the lake.  The kids kept oohing and ahh-ing.  And they were allowed to stay up super late (10:30)!  Archie and Sylvie loved it.  It was a great treat and something that I remember doing as a kid.  So glad they are old enough to make and remember these moments.

The lake was beautiful and the weather improved while we were there.  There have been a lot of great improvements to the cabin in the last few years including the deck and railings being completely replaced plus wifi!!!  The weather and water was warm enough that the kids braved a swim.  Sylvie was in the water the most.  

On the wall at the cabin are some old photos of lots of family and cousins.  This is one of my favorite.  I remember sitting under the table laughing.  The three of us were having a great time by ourselves and giggling.  I am on the right, Traci in the middle, and my older brother Ben on the left.

And here is a great one of lots of cousins on the steps of the Strobels cabin (Grandma's brother's cabin).  Lots of cousins and loads of fun.

And the kids spent hours on the water in these blue kayaks.  They love these and can paddle around easily.  This was the start of lots of fun for these three.  They played super well and had some many adventures.  If they weren't on the water, they were up in the woods behind the cabin in their fort (that they all built over the past few summers).

Archie and Ruby going fishing.  They didn't have as much luck this year but enjoyed trying.

Grandpa putting some more worms on the hooks.

Finally the sun came out and they enjoyed the swimming.

We went to the nearby town of Harrison to visit the ice cream shop.  It was a good treat.  This air balloon thing was dancing and Archie was having a great time trying to catch it.  

Down on the beach for some more fun with all the cousins.

We perfected our dual selfie!!  Wish we would take more of these.  You can see the kids messing around in the reflection of our glasses.  We were totally ignoring them to get the best angle and have a good laugh trying to do so.

Kids Table for dinner not the beach.  They were having loads of fun and laughing the entire time.  Funny how Traci and I had many dinners laughing with our brothers at that exact table as well.   The kids' table is always the best table to be at.

Obligatory cousin line up photo.

And these two!  Best buddies!  Sylvie and Archie miss Ruby the most of anyone and everything from our move.  They want to go back to the lake and spend time with Ruby.  Archie is already asking when we can go back.  Now, Mom?  Why not now?

Can't wait to get these kids together again and hopefully at The Lake.  I don't know how I didn't manage to get photos with Gigi.  We were having a lot of fun and I tried to take photos but never seem to take enough.  I guess that is a good thing because it means we are having fun together.

Up next, our trip to New Zealand and getting settled in.