2014 Lake Season

I didn't forget I have a blog, I promise.  Sometimes I just don't have time to edit photos, load them and ramble a little bit.  I mean with all of the soap opera watching and bon-bon eating I do during the day, I just can't always take a break to blog.  I have some great pictures from our lake adventures from last summer that I never posted and since it's coldish here in TN and really coldish and snowy in MA where my niece and nephews live, I thought I'd pay homage to the sunshine.  Enjoy...and stay warm!

 This was probably the last year we can tuck her in her old car seat and hide her in the shade for a nap.  I imagine 2 year old Sage might be a bit more difficult than 1 year old Sage on the boat.

 Dakota is the best big sister.  She has not tired of her job yet and continually cares for her little sister like Sage was her own child.

 This man is the best daddy.

 Still not amused with this life jacket.  Hopefully she'll be big enough for a different kind next summer.

 I promise he likes tubing :)

 Our friends Wyatt and Brian

 Dakota and Hannah

 Our sweet friend Jenna who I have posted about before.  She got engaged and is going to be leaving us.  I'm still in denial.

 I love these boys.  This is the summer Corban learned to wake board with Jacob.  Is it me or does Jacob look a little like Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog?

 These kids have the prettiest boat hair.  Wish mine looked like that after a day of sun and wind.

 Last boating day of the summer was a bit cooler than we hoped.  I think Jacob skied once and then we called it a day.

 Lollipops are always a win when you are cold.

Might have been too cold to play in the water but at least we got to do some bird watching!

Biking, Halloween and a Little Snow

Another trip to southwest Virginia is in the books and it sure was fun.  We were supposed to go over fall break but since Jacob had to go to Sweden (rough, I know) for work we postponed.  It was a little colder than we usually experience but lots of layers and chocolate kept us in good spirits.  Plus, this place is just magical - it's impossible to be grumpy there, I'm convinced.  I am so thankful that Lauren & Chad drove the loooong drive from Boston to continue this tradition.  The cousins adore their time together and it is good for their souls.  I'm already looking forward to next year...

 She's changed so much since last year's stop at Green Cove.

 Talk about a perfect afternoon, playing games on a picnic table with a fire going in small town America.  Except for the fact it's Monopoly and I'm not allowed to play that game anymore.  Just ask Brad.

 Sounds like a perfect trail for 6 kids.

 Minions.

 Sage got these 2 bags of Sweet Tarts at the first house we trick or treated at and carried them the whole night.  Apparently Corban had to pee during this photo shoot.

 Finally getting to enjoy those Sweet Tarts!

 Saturday morning snow.  I don't think I've ever seen snow while the colored leaves were still on the trees.

 This is the little house we rent.  It's so cute inside too.

 2 eggs over easy, buttered toast and a steaming cup of coffee while I watch the snow fall.  Love.

We took a drive in the mountains so we could see all of the snow.

Virgin Falls Family Camping

Fall is officially here (even though some days seem hotter than our summer was) so we had to kick it off with a camping trip.  We went with Jacob's friend from work and his 2 girls and had such a great time.  We drove to middle TN to enjoy the beauty of Virgin Falls and Sheep Cave.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the kids did awesome.  Looking forward to more fall fun...

 Monkey Spotting.

 We never did see any sheep in Sheep's Cave (or Jacob's wedding band that he lost here 1.5 years ago).  1 bear but no sheep.  I'll let you guess which child enjoyed spelunking the most.

 Love.

 She said this rock looked like a mustache.

Airing things out.