Lake George 2015

Many of my fondest childhood memories are set in the beautiful Adirondacks at Lake George, New York.  My Aunt Janet and her lovely family invited us all to come and stay for a while - no easy invitation when you start to add up the number of people that entails.  Crowded and comfy all at the same time, I wouldn’t trade the chaos of our summer vacation home for anything.  Since my pictures didn’t upload in chronological order, I’ll go ahead and group our pics by activity:

The Lake: Obviously.
While I’ve grown into a big old baby in my later years and shy away from swimming in the chilly waters myself, I’m not above sending my firstborn for a swim!

Safety first!  Zoe’s ready for something fun.

Swimming with papa!

It’s a good thing we were able to toss Zoe in for a swim since Eila was completely unwilling to go for a dip herself.  All in due time, I say.

While initially uninterested in exploring the lake much herself, cousin Alesia worked her angel magic and eventually convinced Annika to enjoy playing in the shallow waters off of the dock.

Check out that diaper!  I hope you left some water in the lake, Annika!  Kara did some “science-ing” a bit later by squashing the full diaper to see what the insides actually look like.  Thank goodness we were able to convince her to put it inside of a plastic bag, first. 

Papa Kay had the amazing idea to rent paddle boards for a day.  We had a great time splashing about and falling off with grace (or not.)

Brooklyn and Talia seem to have gotten the hang of it!  We found that the lower the center of gravity - the easier it was to stay afloat.

Papa Kay shows off his mad skills.  There’s no dismount quite as graceful or entertaining as one from Papa Kay.  He is a great example of persistence and good humor.  

Even Zoe got in on the action!  She was a perfect, if somewhat unwilling, passenger.  

The Falls:
A trip to Lake George would feel incomplete without a trip to “The Falls.”  This year we kept tradition alive, though somewhat modified as we approached from the top of the falls from the parking lot instead of from the bottom, via boat as usual.

Personally, I enjoyed the hike.

The family that hikes together smiles together...especially in Adventure Capris. 

Following the water towards the falls.

Brooklyn is SO good with her little sister.  Look at the love and trust!

Eila’s enjoying nature with her dad. 

Finding newts - another Wells tradition.

A peek at the falls...and some of my favorite people.  

The Minne-ha-ha

The Wheelers treated us all to a wonderful ride on the famous steamboat Minne-Ha-Ha.  Complete with calliope and steam boilers, she provided a beautiful, alternative perspective of Lake George

NomiAnn, Eila, and I waiting for the ships departure.

Cousins picture!

Such pretty people...now don’t forget your camera, Kara!

Family:
While the lake is gorgeous, the toys hilarious, and the food fabulous - the real reason we come to Lake George is to spend time with our family.  They are such wonderful, generous examples of strength and fortitude.  If only I could simply wish away the miles that separate us on a daily basis.

I mentioned the food, right?  Cousins Greg, Kate, and Alesia have adorned themselves deliciously. 

Kara’s listening to my thoughts.  

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Enjoying cousin Katie’s amazing musical talents.  I LOVE those headphones on Eli. 

NomiAnn enjoys a snuggle with her two newest babes.

Angel Alesia works her magic with Eila.  

Campfire and Smores - is there any better way to spend a final evening on the lake?

A Few Firsts:

Lake George was good for Eila.  With the exception of her assumption of a firm “no nap” stance, she truly enjoyed herself.  Aunt Kara was the one to discover Eila’s first tooth while Eila was gnawing on her fingers.  Eila also finally discovered a way to use her body to propel herself FORWARD!  Gone are the days of pure reverse - we are working on a pretty effective inchworm that gets her were she wants to go.

Eila also tried her first popsicle.

I think she liked it!

 As with all fairytale vacations, ours eventually had to come to an end and we were forced to say goodbye to our dear ones.  Facing a 22 hour car ride in a very full minivan, I think Eila’s face expressed everyone’s sentiments.