Berries + Cherries + Family ~~ OH MY!

"What I Did Over Summer Vacation"

How is it possible that summer feels like its in the rearview mirror already? Before it is truly and completely over I thought I'd better get this particular photo essay together to send my 'report' off to my mom and dad. They are patient people, my parents, but they are seriously eager to have a look at last week! I am doing my best to edit and select from the couple thousand pictures taken -- to give you the true highlights. Here's a look at the shenanigans and smiles of our family time together up here on the bay. 

Cherries and Berries: that's what remains of our time together. That's what is still here in our refrigerator. Just as sweet and juicy as the day we picked them together! To me, the photos are just-as-sweet, and will truly last the test of time. 

{Indeedie-do. Today's blog installment is for the family album.}

Just a heartbeat ago, our son-in-law, Scott was landing back here in the states and getting the hugs and kisses stored up from the months of his deployment. You can see the Wonders eagerly watching through the window. 

No sooner had he gotten the majority of the desert sands out of his hair, their family crew of five drove for 14 hours to arrive in time for one of our memorable sunsets. They arrived on my hubby's birthday. Oddly enough Allen is the one that took the photo below on Scott's phone. It was a festive arrival to be certain! I was so excited at their piling out of their minivan that I wasn't thinking sufficiently straight to have my camera in hand. 

I don't know what they thought was more exciting: having the flashlights lead the way or their initial climbing on the piles of boulder sized rocks that surround our marina? Let the fun begin! 

The next morning dawned with bright blue skies and it was time to begin the serious exploration of the nooks and crannies of Sister Bay! Look closely at the hand painted sign on the public pier, just beyond WonderBoy's tennis shoe. 

It instructs: 

"No Drowning."

Wise words... which we heeded.  

WonderPeeps Strike a Pose 

In addition to celebrating Allen's birthday all weekend, their arrival coincided perfectly with the annual Sister Bay Arts Fun at the gazebo. We did indeed see the goats-on-the-roof as we walked down to all of the excitement. Little Red was especially fortunate because she got the last wooden goat available for her adornment of paint and baubles. 

The goat was barely dry and it was time to christen our beach and pier platform. 

Behold.

The now infamous backflip into the Bay-of-Green, 

which was repeated NUMEROUS times over the course of our week together. 

"GO DADDY!" 

We are still within the first 24 hours and have rented the fastest powerboat available. 

That's the trusty birthday boy and his crew of willing assistants. 

To say that there was excitement all around 

is something of an understatement! 

The smiles and giggles were plentiful all week,

but those on the bow of the speedy quick ride were especially vibrant! 

Next up? 

WATER SPORTS! 

Tubing and knee boarding. 

Yes. She managed to keep her hair dry for the whole adventure.

No. He didn't quite make the 360 attempted. 

"Hey! It's cold in there!" 

This next picture is quite historic.

Scott is captured wearing BUCKEYE gear. 

He'll probably swear that I photoshopped it into the picture, 

but you mark my words. 

It happened! Here's the proof! 

Next up? FISHING! 

Before the sunset, there was ample time for more rock climbing.

Five year old Mr. Eyelashes took this photographic evidence 

of me + my ginormous hat. 

No. I do not have a license to drive it.

Yes. I took all sorts of guff for wearing it frequently.  

LUV'd the light show of sundown at the kiddos "Peace Rock." 

Sundown twinkles on the "Peace Rock" as the brothers enjoy the glimmer show. 

For our last meal together, I had the super idea to head over to Gordon's Lodge on the Lake Michigan side of our magic penninsula. 

Their gardens are so gorgeous at every time of year. 

I knew that there would be plenty of foils for backdrops. 

We had such fun taking 'senior pictures' at every turn.

Here's the happy five still in the parking lot.  

I also remembered that they have an entire bin of trucks and fun just waiting for little hands! What a simple thing to do on behalf of your guests. Plan ahead. Keep the peeps happy while the food is being prepared! 

KUDOS! 

ROCKS and TREES and GREENERY: oh my! 

Here's the only picture from our entire week together 

with all seven of us captured in the same frame! 

PRICELESS!!!

Our last night together, at Gordon Lodge for farewell. 

It was an incredible week. Amazing memories. 

Now they're in one spot. 

This one's for you mom and dad! 

LUV LUV LUV LUV LUV! 

Enjoy looking and looking again.