Summer Holiday

We had a chance to get away last week for an extended break over the 4th of July. As it was our only shot at anything resembling a vacation this summer, we took it! So last Wednesday we packed up the mom-mobile and headed to the cottage. This was Genevieve's second trip up there and we were really hoping to spend piles of time swimming, but the weather for the first two days was unfavorable for aquatic adventures. However with a little jacket we were off to the races on the boat. Captain Matt and his first mate kept careful watch over the rough seas:

Step aside canoe-ers, there's a new driver in town


Man, navigating the Upper Mill Pond wears a girl out

We spent two days hanging out, taking walks, taking naps, and -- are you ready for this -- I read a book where the words did not rhyme and there were no illustrations. Wow! Grandma & Grandpa Maio and Uncle Steve all showed up on Friday. Fortunately it was a bit warmer then and we could venture out with fewer layers.

Our little watermelon



This is what happens these days when you tell G no. On this particular occasion she was going for Steve's beer bottle which he took away. The humanity!!


Daddy makes it all better (natch)


Ahhhhhhhhhhh

Lake festivities for the 4th began with the first annual boat parade. Although we were not in it (much to the dismay of Grandma Maio) we enjoyed being spectators. Some of the neighbors really went to great lengths to decorate their boats, so if anyone has a great idea for next year you know where to find us.

The fireworks this year were a bit of a Debbie Downer, mostly because Matt and I did not make our annual stop at Uncle Sam's Fireworks on our way up. What can I tell you, it's hell buying diapers and formula. A few of the neighbors put on small shows which was nice, and G miraculously slept through the whole thing. Thank god for that north woods air - knocked her out for the entire week.

On Sunday we finally ventured into the lake with our big girl. We only put her in to her legs but she was really interested in it and loved hanging out with dad.

Bonsoir, hat


Squish looks for fish


What do you want from me?


The first picture in 9 months without a baby in it

Everyone left on Sunday but we stayed over until Monday. It was a finally a gorgeous afternoon and evening, and once baby was down we started a campfire and went fishing. Ralphie supervised.

Vicious guard Poodle


What a handsome guy

If there's one thing that G came away with after all her time on the boat last weekend, it was the ability to cruise. This is the stage between crawling and walking where they motor themselves around on furniture. Well the bench seat in the boat provided the perfect practice area. Once we returned home we were horrified to find her getting into the dog's food and water, the electronics, and anything else she can motor herself toward. Uh, crap.

Eat


my


dust.

Matt is off this week as well and has been ticking off items on his honey-do list left and right. There are some major before-and-afters coming up, hopefully most of which will be done this weekend. He's also managing to squeeze in a few Brewer games, and we'll be taking G to her first one on Friday night. More to come!