A day at the lake

Yes, I've taken a million pictures, but rather than spending tons of time on the computer sorting and editing, you're getting a few favorites that show what we've been up to. Let's just preface this bunch with saying that it's only 65 degrees outside which makes the water "damn cold." That's a very precise measurement from the only guy who dares get in on a daily basis. As you can see, both kids jumped in willingly and then quickly second-guessed that decision. Coop has been good for one jump a day, but don't try to get him to repeat it! Senny is happy as a clam to simply wander around the boat, dock and beach checking everything out. And as you can see, Beckham is still a chubby happy little man. This is grandma's taxi... she must love me a lot to let me drive!

McCall Retreat

I have been coming to McCall almost every year since I was about 3. Most of the time it has been a week in the summer, but there have been a few winter trips and this is where Denten and I spent our honeymoon. This place has memories around every turn. My parents started out renting the Belnap's tiny little cabin on the lake. They upgraded to renting the Full House on Shady Beach, one that was big enough for us to bring another family with us or some friends. Once this was unavailable, we found Obenchain's... it was a great house right on the water that accomodated our growing family nicely. Through all of these trips to McCall, my parents have talked about having a place of their own and have owned various pieces of property. The time finally arrived to start building... after three years of construction, it's finally finished! Well, almost finished. Finished enough to enjoy. Brad, Mel, Mom and Dad... it's fabulous, thanks for sharing this incredible place with us!

(Kimber, pics, just for you!)

kitchen

great room, sitting area


great room (if you look closely, you'll see Pete)


TV area

the pic is dark, but here is Pete, reigning over his new domain. My personal opinion is that Pete is very happy here in his new home. He fits in this enormous place sooooo much better than in our home. I love him enough to sacrifice seeing him every day so he can live here. Look at the place... wouldn't you want to live here?!

entry way

front of house

here is a pic of grandma's taxi. this little four-wheel vehicle motors grandma and the kids down to the beach and back.

front porch (grandma is working on getting her wreath hung. triple thick doors provide a little challenge for her!)

side yard for kids to play outside

back view

Seriously, the only thing missing up here is our dad! And auntie kate, uncle wade, tessa, aunt linny and uncle ben. They would be fun too. Today my mom did my laundry again and watched my kids... I told her that I just might move right in if she kept that up. She said it was a deal as long as I did the cooking. Can anyone blame me for not really wanting to go home yet?

After more than 25 years of enjoying this beautiful place, memories include my dad's bribes to water-ski, bracing myself for the freezing cold water, sunny afternoons with a book on the dock, daily trips to ice cream alley, being thrown from the tube behind the boat, hiking at Brundage, jughandle bush-whacking adventures, katelyn's short-lived obsession with jet-ski rental guy's god-like body, summer adventures with the locals, hotel mccall, biking around the lake and dinners at every place in town. I love that my children will have the opportunity to make their own memories up here as the tradition of McCall vacations continues.

How to Survive...

as a single parent in McCall:

1. make sure grandpa is fully established as a very cool guy before ever leaving home. I'm pretty sure his new toy wins him the title.

2. Make sure wetsuits fit.

3. And life jackets. That fully squish their faces.


4. Be prepared with milk at all times. Especially when out on the lake at feeding time.

5. Again, make sure cheeks are easily accessible at all times.

6. Provide plenty of sand for throwing, dumping on your own head and the occasionally tasting.

7. Keep this child close. He's good for a smile all the time.

8. Sand toys and endless hours on the beach.

9. Just give it to her. Whatever it is, she's gotta have it and she's gotta have it now.

10. At the end of the day, put the babies to bed and make cookies for heaven's sake!

We miss you dad!