Our Annual Lake Trip...

We've made it a tradition.  Each 4th of July we head to Tygart Lake in WV for some family fun in the sun.  You can see our 2010 trip here, and our 2009 trip here... not sure that I documented other previous years.  We all enjoy getting down to the lake each year, and Ava has been asking recently if we could go again.  I wish we could get down there one more time this year, but with my work schedule, I don't think it's going to happen.

Anyway, we had a great time as usual, even when the electricity went out.  There is a picture floating around somewhere of Nathan, Derek, Chelsea, & Amanda making homemade icream by hand... it turned out quite well despite the fact we didn't have power.  A big storm blew in during dinner and we got caught at the cabin and had to wait out.  The weather had been beautiful that day, hot and sunny (although you'll see our super white skin didn't get much sun), but after the storm the temperature dropped and we ran for long sleeve shirts and jackets.  But homemade icecream... it can't be wasted!  So we ate/drank it by the campfire.   

As for Miss Ava, she is fearless, and it really showed this year.  Af first she would jump from the dock (quite low) while holding someone's hand.  One of the girls (Amanda, Chelsea or Shelley) said "I think we'll have her jumping by herself by the end of the weekend.  It was about 10 minutes later Ava was jumping by herself off the higher landing.  Then we couldn't stop her.  She is a fish for sure!  I can't imagine what next year will bring, but I know fore sure, it will be tons of fun as always.

Here are some pictures of our weekend.  If only it had been longer.  (pictures are out of order)

Welcome to WV!

Chelsea, Amanda, Ava, & Shelley

getting ready to jump

swimming on her own

Ava found Uncle J's hat and sunnies

Daddy & Ava getting ready for a swim

She still loved spinning in the water

this was the closest we could get of a picture of Ava with her Gigi... Ava didn't stop moving the entire time we were down at the lake.

checking out the outhouse with Chelsea

Ava ate every drop of her homemade icecream....

even after the temperature dropped and we had to build a fire

Ava and Shae having fun

too cute!



one last look back as we head home