It was a great week, wasn't it? Even for me as I handled it better, PTL!
The warm dry weather really helped and allowed me to be in a flyless tent (my own fault) where I slept good (except when awakened by wild animals investigating the compost heap nearby). Rachel (Ralph's) was a sweetie and bravely kept me company most nights - tho she slept thru it - thankfully - and didn't hear the noises nor the bear stories her dad told at the campfire the first night while I was in there alone! (nice guy,eh? Aside from that, he's a great bro! :) In fact all of my family are great and these times spent together like this are precious. (Thanks again Stels for making it possible at in such a convenient & charming setting!)
A good example of the beach's transformation that Rachel described
- all part of the fun!
It worked out well for Mom's sister and family that we had a long weekend in there so they could all come up this year for a couple days.
Here's Tony & Theresa's oldest 2 Noah, Caleb
Krista & Chris' Arianna with the adorable curls - from daddy :)
and Nathaniel (with Joanna trying to get his attention)
A few shots from the grand BBQ before the P's had to leave
Bethany with her 2nd mommy (the week before while R&S were chaperoning at the YP conference, Bethie was there and quite took to Chris)
Bethany checking out her cousin. Willy looking a little concerned, its safer in mommy's protective arms
The 2007 baby line up - again - I couldn't resist. :)
the next up lineup (in 2 shots)
Boys turn for breakfast with Oma & Opa (& Auntie) - still popular with the kids so much so that even when its not their turn, some other kid will invariably come join in - even if its just for devotions.
We have a hoot with them. This year it was the teens that gave us the most trouble - I mean we could hardly manage to get a mouthful of food down without choking on it or spitting it across the table, we were laughing so hard. Seriously, my stomach was killing and my mascara was all smudged (kidding - I don't wear mascara usually - certainly not on vacation!). Just put Mark & Heidi (in case you didn't catch on yet) with Dad & Mom, in a relaxed, fun setting and start asking questions or telling stories about things young people love to talk about and that's what happens ('course I didn't contribute to that silliness ;) (Shush, H & M!).
Yes, we have our share of serious conversations too - what with all the past & present highschool,college/university,seminary students you can't avoid it (tho the one you'd most expect, doesn't join in too readily - this pastor when on vacation needs to relax - tho he is always ready to crack a wise one... you can just see it on his face there) 
Nice to have opportunities to canoe/boat/sit on the swing/walk... with 1 or 2 at a time to hear their thoughts, hopes... and just get to know them better. Life is so busy that its easy to get so out of touch (esp'ly if you don't "facebook"!). The "grandkids" are growing up so fast... help! Neat too to see them discover and develop their talents/interests.
Here Sharon has joined the sycronized divers/flippers :) you saw earlier. She still has the best form/style - tho her daughter's catching up fast! 
Mom enjoyed having her sister around and T.Marian fitted herself in here and there between the various lodgings and families
(If you're looking for Sharon, you can often find her here - altho we did one meal per day together taking turns to make sure she had some breaks!)
Go Hun, go!
I won't say who won... (actually I can't because I don't remember... your guess is as good as mine... who looks most fit & skilled? :)
And then there's Daniel... if you can't find him, just look in a tight spot...
What are you doing in the trunk, Daniel?
Oops, caught the same way :z - well, it is easier to get every nook and cranny filled back there if you can get in the trunk :)
Not much use raking the sand when the truck brigrade is still around...
The Best Family (friends from church) who had the place after us, generously invited us to stay longer with them. The 3 of us took them up on it and we had a really good visit. I enjoyed getting to know the kids better, boating with Katy, going for a walk, watching a video (well, it did suddenly turn very cold on Sat), playing games with David, Erica & Elisa, having a shared dinner and a sing song at night - ably led by Aaron with his guitar. Very nice! Thanks so much guys!
