When I started working for myself last September, one of the big motivators behind it was being able to set my own schedule rather than being stuck at a desk 9-5. And along those lines, I really wanted to be able to spend a week at Pearl Lake. Since I was a kid, it was always a weekend thing, or maybe a long weekend. But an entire week? That would be fantastic.
That's exactly what happened the week leading up to Labor Day.
The boys and I took the Lake Express ferry across Lake Michigan on Sunday, the day after our self-appointed family fun day.
This picture is from before Jojo puked. Yep, turns out I'm not the only one in our family who gets seasick on large boats! The afternoon was super windy and super wavy. So glad I took dramamine or two of us would have been losing our cookies! Ferry boats helpfully have little bags in the seat pockets, much like on planes. Thomas was very interested in what Jojo deposited in the bag and asked a lot of questions. I think we were all thankful it wasn't a long trip!
Dad took me and the boys sailing. Three of us ended up in the lake.
Thomas and Buppa were very busy. They fixed a lot of things and worked on the train in the garage, painting the roads and adding rocks to the tunnel.
Thomas backing the truck into the "garage" he and Buppa built. The numbers for the address, written by Thomas, is our address at home.
The cousins with Buppa's new car
TJ helped Buppa with maintenance on the car. He loved the matching trailer that you see in the background!
I tried out the Rhyans' paddle board.
James joined us from Wednesday night on. He and Jojo played nicely and competed a bit for toys. James was
almost walking this week. I don't know if what was it or what, but Jojo was much more interested in him, which was fun. Usually, Thomas plays with James and Jojo sort of does his own thing.
He did not want James driving.
I had some sewing projects to finish up. James was very interested.
Swimming with Aunt Jenn Jenn
Jenn kayaking with James. Mom and I did a loop with TJ and Jojo as well.
The boys tubed on Big Mable with Buppa. TJ wasn't feeling it though.
Jojo liked it so much that he went again with me and Mom. Look, no hands!
TJ and Abby got the idea to sell lemonade at the lake's association meeting.
We watched the NU-Cal game. Niki was teaching Jojo the wildcat "roar!"
Ready for the game!
Ed and Pat both did some sailing as well. The boat doesn't sail real well this way though...
Jojo caught a fish but wasn't real sure about it. Frankly, this is about as close to a fish as I want to get too!
Following his big brother's lead, Jojo tried (and loved!) the tube ski. He did great!
And napped on the pontoon boat.
Ed arrived Saturday morning and the boys loved swimming with him.
Ed and Pat enjoying the booze cruise!
Dancing with James. Check out that spiky hair!
Beyond the whole wonderful-ness of being at Pearl Lake for seven days, this was the highlight of the weekend. Video to follow in next post!
