Fun at the Lake!

Our little family recently returned from a quick trip to Ohio to spend a weekend at Indian Lake, as well as to see Jeff & Cindy off to their new home in California. This was actually the first time that Jon and I were able to go to the lake since we've been married - amazing, considering that I had spent nearly every weekend there since birth! We indulged in the usual fun of biking, hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, roasting s'mores, and playing cornhole. I've been homesick for weekends at the lake since we've moved. I guess it's only after I moved away that I realized how many of my childhood memories had their foundation in this one place. As a kid, we came here every weekend to work on building the house (okay, so I didn't contribute much to the "building" but I was a superstar "sweeper" after years of sweeping sawdust!). In more recent years, the lake had become a gathering place for our family as we were scattered to all corners of the state.

A particular highlight of the weekend was watching Dewey come into his own as a true water dog! Jon and I were certainly proud parents as we watched our boy retreive endless sticks and balls thrown across the lake for three days. He even went kayaking with Jon! I know we are biased, but I think we have the greatest dog in the world!! For a pup of just 9 months old, Dewey continues to impress us with his gentle and loving spirit. Aside from endless playful energy, his only objective in life seems to be to love on his family (he seemed to particularly enjoy curling up in Jeff's lap to smother him with kisses this weekend!). He had a great time with his grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins!

Before we all departed, we took a family photo in front of our house. This photo has particular significance as it is in the same spot as a family photo taken in 1981, when my parents first bought the original cottage. As you can see from the photos, both the house and our family have changed dramatically in the last 26 years!