Garden Produce after Week on Vacation

Play Date-Turned-VBS at Neighbor's

Hard to believe summer is drawing to a close, especially here in WI. ;-) My neighbor, whose own kids are grown up, had mentioned wanting to do a play date with me and a couple of her homeschool friends. Well...that turned into 12 moms getting together, mostly ladies from her church, with all our kids. My neighbor organized 4 hours of structured VBS activities for the kids with several teen helpers, while us moms sat in the shade and drank coffee and ate delicious chicken salad on her nice china plates, and chatted. It was a lovely end of summer activity! 

With the school year just around the corner now, and with our internet in the country being so much more limited, I will not be posting to the blog as frequently. Having 3 school-aged kids this year  will require almost all of my focus and energy, and so I can't afford the hours of blogging anymore. Lucas may post periodically from here out. 

Thank you all for following us though. Blessings!!

Fishing Family

Some nice Small Mouth Bass.

This fish was the same size as the lure. LOL.

More bass!

The Muskee!...right off the dock.

And the final fish of the week.

Tubing with Daddy

Clara was brave and went around the lake once.

Amber had a fever Mon-Thursday, so it wasn't until the last day with the boat, Friday, that she got to tube around the lake a couple times.

Brent LOVED this activity! He said it's the favorite thing he has ever done with his Dad. ;-D

Poor Lucas. Too much fun. lol.

Fun on the Lake

Sailing with Nathan (friend and owner of the house and cottage).

Finding clams and things.

The more peaceful activities, provided you don't tip over which we almost did. lol.

Tubing, skiing and playing on the foam raft.

G'pa is amazing and still gets up on skis the first time!

August Memories

Last August 10th I had my skull surgery in VA. It's been an epic year! Surgery and recovery. Holiday travels. Renee's wedding. Us suddenly moving to Wisconsin. Lucas starting a new job. Summer vacation travels...  We are a little worn out. About half of my days this summer have included headaches and some dizziness again, mild to moderate intensity. Chronic pain for me can really be a joy-sucker. May I chose to rejoice everyday, regardless. Chiari symptoms, to some degree, will always be a part of my life from here out. I hope to take it a little easier now going into the homeschool year and prayerfully my head will be happier with me again. ;-)

But this August all us Smiths (and Sara) were able to join in on the WI lake house fun! I'm thankful! It was a good time. More pics to come.

(Craigslist) Pool

Michelle Day

Bonfire, bike ride, hammock, tea party with Clara (and dolls), catching toads with Brent... It was a full day. A great visit.

Lazy Summer Days

Our summer has actually been quite busy, so this was a welcome morning recently.

Amber's Special "Birthday Weekend" at G & G's

The neighbor girl is the same age as Amber. They have fun together too.