How to Live a Lake Life

Hello friends! I've had a busy couple of weeks with a lot of adventures. It feels like summer is over already but I have 3 and a half weeks left so really, it's not. Next week I have friends in town all week and the week after that the BF and I head to Alaska. When we get back there are only 3 days until I head back. This half of vacation is definitely jam-packed.

Every year my friend Jill and her family head to the midwest for a summer of lake life. Her pictures are pretty much the best thing on Instagram every year. All winter I can't wait to see the epic shots of sunsets, kids being towed behind boats on any number of items, roasting marshmallows, soaking up sun.

This year, my dad turned 60 and retired from his job as a custodian at my old high school. Technically he took early retirement and then went and got a job doing something else. All he wanted to celebrate was to get the entire family together and head to the Adirondacks in upstate NY. He used to take this trip with his parents and siblings every summer. After what seemed like an impossible task - getting 10 adults to adjust their schedules to be together at the same time - we did it!

Just like Jill, I got to spend some time basking in the glory that is lake life. Man it felt good. Despite the fact that I pulled my hamstring on the first full day while trying to water ski and being out of commission for the rest of the time, there wasn't a damn thing wrong with this trip. Hell, I don't even really mind the injury. (More on that later.)

So, without further ado, here is how to live a lake life.

1. Grab best family ever
2. Make lots of food
3. Laugh
4. Set things on fire
5. Laugh some more
6. Do things in boats

Guns and Rosè

Alice, running after Noah and the BF

Crab boil

Beauty

"Captain J" (sis) and Steve, big bro, Brandy (sis-in-law) being towed

Family motto, #sorrynotsorry

Grandpa (my dad) and Alice

The house

Teaching Alice some new games

My dad got up! First time in 20 years!

Katie (future sis in law), Zach (bro), and Buddy, family dog

All the S'mores

Josh, nephew, is DRIVING?!?! 

Twinning with my dad

Big bro Steve put on an amazing fireworks show

Mom and Dad, chillin in a trampoline that
never held air

First day, hanging on the dock
picture by my sis

Alice and Buddy
pic by my mom

Mom and Dad, chillin
pic by my bro

When the trampoline can't hold enough air for jumping,
but can old enough air for you to grab some beers and get towed
behind a kayak. Me towing. Sib and SOs (significant others)
enjoying the ride

Mom captured this picture of a bee
landing on my hat (Shout out to Salmagundi!)