We spent the 4th of July weekend at my brother's house. He lives on a canal of a lake, so the kids had a great time out on the boat, swimming in the lake, and just playing on the beach in his backyard. They played outside all afternoon on Saturday, and most of Sunday. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful to be able to sit outside and watch them and enjoy a cool breeze. This time of year in Texas there are barely any breezes and if so, they are not cool. By the time we left my brother's house to head to my parent's house the kids were asking if they could move in with my brother and never leave. Tempting, but I've put too much time and energy into them so far to just give them away at this point. Nope, they're stuck with me.
Yesterday we went to Lake Lansing. The name is a little misleading, because it is not in Lansing, but rather in Haslett or some other town much closer to our house. I used to go to Lake Lansing when I was a kid. There is a picnic area and pavilion in the back by the road, but there is also a huge lawn with lush grass and a small beach and then the lake. There is also a concession stand, at which of course all the kids want to spend their money buying popcorn and popsicles. When I was a kid there was a carousel, and as it went around you tried to grab the bronze ring from some sort of hook out to the side. There were several silver rings but only one or two bronze. If you did get the bronze ring you got to ride again for free. We would spend what seemed like hours riding that carousel time after time, mostly on free rides. Later on there was also a big wheel track, which was super cool, and big wheels that you could ride around up and down hills and over and under bridges. Both of those are now gone but there is a nice playground and a volleyball court.
As I got older I don't remember Lake Lansing being a very cool place to be. In fact, I remember hearing, or thinking I heard, that it was kind of a cesspool and filled with three-eyed fish (if you know what I mean). The last couple of years my parents have suggested I take the kids there but I've always kind of shrugged it off and dismissed the idea. I'm so glad we ended up going yesterday because my impression was completely wrong. The kids had a blast. My dad sat on a bench right by the beach and water and watched the older two play in the sand and the lake, while I sat in a nice shady part of the grass with Amanda, enjoying the breeze. Amanda was perfectly content to play with the soft grass, since we haven't really had her out in the hard, ant infested grass at home, and kept pulling it out and putting it in the leftover sand toys. As long as she was sitting with me she didn't care that she wasn't in the water. Overall a very enjoyable afternoon.
Today we went over to my friend Missy's house to swim. I've known Missy since 6th grade, but I guess even earlier than that when we were on a rec basketball team in elementary school that I don't remember very well. She is one of my best friends from high school and one of the few people that I've been able to keep up with over the years. Missy just moved into a beautiful house with a pool a couple of months ago, and the kids had fun playing in the pool together for a couple of hours. We went in for a little bit with Amanda, but spent most of the time catching up and chatting. I always have a good time with Missy.
So far, the vacation is a success. Tomorrow we don't have anything planned, but I'm sure we'll find something to do. Friday we leave for Chicago to see my brother and sister and their families. We saw my brother two weeks ago and my sister the last two weekends, which is highly unusal, but that's just how this summer is working out. Regardless, Sarah can't wait to play with her cousins Ella and Ally and Sarah again (especially Sarah who was so sweet to her when we were in for my parent's 50th) and Andy is very excited to play with Jack and Uncle David. I'm just happy that the kids are having a good time, I'm (relatively) relaxed, and they are getting to spend time with their family. It's so important to me that they grow up knowing their cousins and have a good relationship with them and this is the best way that I know how. I just hope they look back on this time years from now and remember it fondly.
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