Cottage 2009: Week One

Well, our annual month at the cottage has commenced, with much joy and anticipation! This year, we have chosen again to alight at the cottage during July as opposed to our usual August timing. The weather has been about the same as last year, in that this first week has held beautiful sunny and warm summer weather, and icky and cloudy fall weather. We can't seem to win, as more of the first week has held cool temperatures and lots and lots of strong wind.

The bonus of the first week is that we got to spend it with our dear friends, the Bears. There is nothing better than a lakeside cottage full of life, as we had six adults, two three year olds, a 9 month old and two dogs. Whew, it was a house full. But we survived. Sophia and William played well together, having their moments of cooperation and consternation. There were some fights over toys and some tired tears but all in all, they did spectacularly.

We boated, swam, sunbathed, read, played, walked, ate, drank, played, watched a bunkie in development, ate more, made cookies, listened to music, watched the Backyardigans, Cars, Shrek and Pride and Prejudice. Yup, we tried to do it all, despite the weather. I even got the joy of celebrating my birthday at the cottage again. Nothing better than being with good friends and wonderful family to really celebrate. Marie-Eve even presented me with an afternoon tea on the deck...just for me and her. Lovely! Marie-Eve cooked a fabulous dinner of Jerk Chicken and salad, and David surprised me with a homemade ice cream cake! Whoo hoo! It was the perfect celebration dinner, topped off with presents and fireworks, Yup, I said FIREWORKS. Kelvin revels in the opportunity to light things on fire and watch them explode! Actually it;s kind of really fun to have your own private fireworks display!

The Bears left on Sunday and we miss them lots. Sophia has woken up the last two mornings looking for William. It was a great week and we look forward to it next year!

We have fish for children. Both Sophia and William loved being in the water, despite the chilliness. Jacob on the other hand, was less than impressed. Merely placing his feet in the waves elicited woeful cries. Sigh.

Chasing each other through the daisies, giggling the whole time. No wonder they slept so good.

Tracking a red squirrel through the underbrush.

Playing side-by-side in true three year old style.

Practicing proper posture. Or else making a fashion statement.

Supervising the building of the new Bunkie

Jacob decided he wanted to play with the big kids. He spent a lot of time chasing the train William was playing with, much to William's chagrin.

A rare moment of three year old cooperative play. It was fun watching them work together. I think it lasted a whole 8 minutes.

Jacob showing his admiration and affection for the retro train.

Reading with Grandpa. William took to calling Arthur and Diane grandpa and grandma....I think it was just easier. And heck, it was cute.

Jacob's favorite position: standing. He can pull himself up on pretty much everything. He can even pull himself up in the bathtub...now if that isn't a nightmare for whoever is watching him in the bath I don't know what is.

My birthday cake --better than Dairy Queen!

My most excellent and beautiful family --taking a walk with the Bears and giving Mom a bit of peace.

Tea for Two. What a treat!

Haley is a sensitive dog. Fireworks and thunder cause our little Bichon to become the amazing vibrating dog. She paces, pants, and looks for a place to hide. The birthday fireworks drove her crazy and she ended up seeking refuge in Diane and Arthur's bathtub. Yup, she got herself in there.

Our handsome little man.

A happy, glowing William.