under the magnolia tree

This was the second year that my family made the trip up to the island and we're so glad they did. We had SO much fun. Unfortunately we were missing two of my brothers and their families, hopefully they'll make it next year! The cousins have a blast and it's so much fun to see them play together. On our shore front we have a large rock that rises above the water's surface. Last year it was quickly named "Mermaid Rock" by all of the cousins. There was also a flat rock nearby that became "Cousins Rock." They were such appropriate names and they stuck. This year the kiddos were old enough to do some serious swimming at the famous Schoolhouse Beach named for the 1850 Schoolhouse nearby. It's famous for its smooth white rocks, there are only 4 beaches like this in the world. So aptly enough, this beach became "Schoolhouse Rock!" We had the best time there this year. Nana & Papa bought washable watercolor paints and a ton of paint brushes. The kids painted rocks and put them back in the water at the days' end.
Early this spring George and I found a beautiful plank of driftwood on our shore that obviously found it's way to us after the lake thawed. We decided it would make a great bar on our deck so we attached it to the banister, made a place for the umbrella, and added some bar stools. Since it was right off the kitchen we took down the screen so the window could open for service. The kids loved this and quickly named it the "Snak Shak." They made signs for it and one day even wrote out the menu. The Snak Shak was only open twice a day; lunch and dinner. The kids would line up outside and I would stand inside taking orders and shouting out the orders to the adults. After the orders were handed through the window, they sat at the bar with a beautiful view of the lake and NO parents!

With all of the little children at our place so suddenly the woodland fairies must have decided it too is a wonderful place to visit. One day without ANY warning a gold necklace was discovered in the woods. With the prospect of finding more jewels there were shrills of excitement and the gathering of the cousins to discuss this possibility. With further hunting more and more jewels and tiny little trinkets were discovered! This has boggled all of us and left us wondering how we came to such a good fortune of being visited by the woodland fairies!
On the last day we were all sad to part. While cars were getting packed and houses cleaned the kids decided to take their watercolor paints and do some face painting.

Bye! Hope to see you all again next year!