E had her first lake trip at one week old which was when we closed on the Lake house. We waited just a little longer this time for N’s first trip… one month. It was a gorgeous, unseasonably warm January weekend and we headed down on a Thursday to get a couple extra days in. Other than M trying to critter-proof the shed (some pesky rodent has made himself at home this Winter), we didn’t do too much work and mainly took it easy.

The lake flooded again the week after Christmas and we were anxious to see the damage. We could see the water line which was up above our fire pit (higher than it was on the 4th of July), but other than getting in our shed and possibly ruining/requiring fixing of the lawn mower and chainsaw, we came out unscathed. We can’t complain since our neighbors had a few FEET of water in their basement. Ugh.

Dad and E put together the dresser for the bunk house. E is quite the helper.Friday afternoon we drove to the W lake place to check out their renovations. This is one of the lake houses I grew up going to and I have so many amazing memories from here. They are basically tripling the size of their house and I can’t wait to see the finished product. It is going to be gorgeous. And that view from the top balcony… swoon.

We had one of the most gorgeous sunsets our last night there. Photos don’t do it justice.

And finally… The weekend we were down fell over what would have been Tanner’s 9th birthday. It’s been 6 months since he passed and we’ve had his ashes this whole time. We never questioned what we should do with them and his birthday felt like the right time. Tanner was a true water dog and no place made him happier than the lake. He’ll always be there with us.