Week Thirty-eight

So where was I? Oh, right. In the middle of too many photos of our vacation. Sunday morning Naomi woke up and played with Shereen's chickens. Someday I want to live on a few acres with chickens and have a huge garden and fruit trees like this. Maybe even a dog. To herd the chickens of course. 

Then the whole gang came over for an incredible brunch...

...before we headed to this house for the week. Naomi and Annika are sitting on the steps...

...where they are looking at this view. Except that they aren't in both places at once of course.

Almost as soon as we got there, Naomi wanted to be in the water.

While Annika and her "best best best friend" Asher hung out on the deck.

Sarah found her way to the pool before too long.

Where she hung out with Eamon and Oscar who were absolutely in love with water.

Naomi braved her way into the lake with Matt

While Sarah played with Suzi.

Could Naomi be any less helpful in a kayak? 

As it turns out, yes. She could be Annika who is leaning to one side and providing resistance.

We had a few lovely sunsets over Lake Ontario

If you ever find yourself in Sacket's Harbor, NY and at this restaurant, you should totally get the chocolate chip cookie pancakes. Made with real chocolate chip cookies.

And take this kid with you because she totally digs them.

Playing outside trying to burn off some breakfast.

I just love this kid. And the smirk on his face.

Sarah loves flying in the air.

See those two little heads bobbing around by the sailboat? That's me and Naomi. She loved swimming in the lake. Lest you think she is some kind of swimming genius, she is wearing a lifevest. But still...

Oh man, this is why Amber is so cool. She baked this cake, applied a flawless white icing to it. And then let the kids do whatever they wanted with the rest of the decorating. You can't see it from this angle, but the frosting on the top of that cake is about two inches tall.

Just hanging out with a bear. Nothing to see here.

Headed out for a ride on the Seadoo.

Naomi wanted in on it too. Matt pretty much couldn't go fast enough for her.

Look at that happy face.

And fishing. Naomi's first catch. This little goby. Those aren't the fish's intestines pulling out--she managed to save and reuse her worm.

Which is what she used to catch this much larger bass (about eight inches)

We had a campfire with smores one night.

Few things make kids happier...

...than a campfire and sugar.

See what I mean?

So happy he can't even open his eyes.

The Ramoses had to leave a little early so we got this picture of all the kids. Which is *way* better than the one at Niagra Falls.

Sarah looking a little skeptical of Steve--probably the beard or otherwise his generally sketchy character.

Not sure about this one either apparently despite the fact that she is not sketchy at all.

Naomi sewed some designs on paper during this trip. Mom, you'd be so proud.

Annika's turn on the Seadoo--waving at the camera happily as long as you don't go faster than 30mph.

More fishing off the dock.

More bass.

Check me out--holding worms and fish. Can't say it was my favorite thing...

...but mostly trying to show the kids that it was fun to do. Annika's not so sure.

Such an awesome friend... We love you guys!

So awesome that she fished with our kids.

The last day we did a boat ride with Matt's parents.

It was pretty much the perfect day.

for sun and snuggles.

Annika got a turn to drive.

So of course Naomi did too.

Matt and Weston

Out for some ice cream. 

You know Naomi likes someone when she'll share her ice cream.

Sarah trying to convince Harper to sneak her some.

Back in Fairport at a playground.

Check out that turtle on the slide.

And this crazy monkey.

And this girl who is wearing a swimsuit top and no bottoms because her parents are too lazy to change her.

Happy swinging.

And now Naomi is the turtle looking longingly at the Erie Canal.

At an indoor play center.

and back on the plane again heading home... It was an awesome week and a real refresher to be with people we love so much! Miss you already!