Memorial Day 2010

We were all looking forward to a long holiday weekend, hoping that the summer-like weather would hold out for our first visit to the cottage this season. Fortunately the stars aligned and it was perfect!

Matt coached his Dominican Knights into the playoffs on Saturday morning, and as soon as he got home we hopped into the familymobile and headed to Wautoma. The timing was perfecto...a one hour nap for Geeg plus an episode of "Letters!" and a little snack and ta-da, there we were.

Grandma and Grandpa Maio have already been up several times this season, and in their wisdom and spoilation (new word), they bought a new swing and slide for the wee one. It was fun to see GG take in the woods and the cottage again, of course not remembering it from last year. I especially loved the widening of the eyes when she discovered the wagon full of toys in the living room. She was in toddler heaven.

Look at me, everyone! I've got my own slide!


Again!


Q: How many Maios does it take to put up a swing?


A: Who cares as long as the princess is happy?

The weekend was filled with playtime and GG's new favorite activity, boat rides (or, in GG speak, boat RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE). Of course we had to wrestle her into a life jacket for each sea tour, but we convinced her that it was a chic accessory and she was totally into it.

Still squeezable cheeks


The first mates


Erin and I noticed that the life jacket grandpa chose reads "Ho Sports". Nice.


Ahoy, Cap'n!


Swimmers beware...Ho Sports is behind the wheel!


What does this button do?


Ready for the sunset cruise

It's been so warm this spring that the water was actually tepid enough to swim in. This is a complete 180 from last year, when I swam exactly zero times. So, after Memorial Day weekend, I have increased my lake swimming time 100% over last year. So far, so good.

We got GG in the water as well but she was not really feeling it. I think it was a combination of the slightly chilly water and the funny feeling of the sand underfoot. We brought her tot-sized water socks but I still think the sensation of the sand giving way as you walk was just a little too scary. I did carry her in far enough to get her wet which she initially freaked out about, but once Daddy started playing motorboat life was good. Finally we settled on standing in one place in the most shallow waters, playing with some toys and finding shells.

A little boat dancing before swimming


Watering Daddy


Mama, I'm tired


Amen, sister

We were also joined by Steve and Erin, which was super fun since we don't get to see them that often, much less for two straight days. Erin has lots of experience being an auntie to her sister's kids, so Geeg was thrilled to have another person to play with. Also we celebrated Matt's birthday on Sunday with a huge meal of ribs and cake for dessert.

Professional bubble blowers


Chillin with morning beverages


Who's walking who?


She once again thinks we're singing to her. Nevermind the fact that she tried to grab the candles while they were still lit...

And this is a pic from after we were home and I was unpacking. I heard this clip-clopping and Miss Thing came parading out of her room wearing her fashion heels from great Auntie Mare. Style, friends, style.

Alas the fun ended on Tuesday as the Knights lost in their last game of the season, and the last game of Matt's coaching career (until we enter the world of t-ball). But the good news is that he's still playing in the Old Man League, and as today is his 30th birthday, I'd say he finally qualifies. Go Orioles (and happy birthday, honey)!