The lake so far...

We are getting settled in to our long stretch at the lake, for the most part. 

 Of course, when I say "we" I mean Ivy, Winter and I, as Nat and Jack are back in Cleveland for for the weekend to participate in swim team Championships.  Also, our settling in has been hampered a bit by rain and a sick dog...  But there are always a few bumps in the road on the way to vacation happiness and I as I type today the lake is sunlit and glittery and the air is cool and I've been out in the kayak twice already so everything is good. 

We decided to try this strange thing called "packing light" so we could take my car instead of the van-- exponentially better gas mileage for all the back and forth driving we have planned.  Seems to have worked and so far the only thing we've missed is a little wall hook that I forgot to pack and that would totally have fit in the trunk. 

 We'd rearranged some schedules and booked it to get ready and drive into the night on Tuesday, set to wake up to the lake and get started on our serious vacationing the next morning.  Woke up to steady rain and a soppy point and no break in the clouds.  And a dog with diarrhea.   Sigh. So much for launching into vacation joy. 

We made the most of a wet day, though, by heading  (three of our troupe) off to Rochester to visit the Strong Museum.

What a fabulous place.  It was completely mobbed there, with insane amounts of noise and children roving everywhere- but it was a good noise, and the children were all happy, and the museum is big enough to absorb a crowd.  Our kiddos had a tremendous time. 

The hyper-real  child-scale Wegmans is always a favorite.  Girls had to wait in line to get in, but it was worth it.   They also had a great time shooting a morning show in the news studio.  Collaborative film production is a learned art, though.  Things got a little crazy in there...

 Meanwhile, our big boys... Jack wasn't sure he wanted to go for the outing but was talked into by Alex.  I drove the boys so the little girls could ride together with Betsey and Barb.  We made good time and had a bit of a wait for the rest of our group.  So after we got our wristbands, while the littles headed to the restroom, I sent the boys off to explore the first exhibit ("Field of Play," the size and scope of a typical Children's Museum) on their own...
They enjoyed themselves there for a while...

...then were spotted playing chess in the Sesame Street area.  Jack reported at lunch that the chess game was the best part of the day so far!  Love that kid.


 SO many amazing exhibits.  An interactive theater with lights and sounds a popcorn stand.  A full scale helicopter.  This "shingle shooter" in a half-constructed house. 

 We had subs in the food court (lines and insanity!) then headed on...

The girls spent at least an hour in the wizarding and princess castle areas, making wands and crowns..

 ...then wore them to explore a giant's house, a pirate ship and a deserted island...

 Upstairs, we entered "game world"...
I loved this beautiful interactive screen, where the girls made bubble magic with their wands.

 The one game that ALL of our kiddos enjoyed?  Twister.  Can't beat a classic.

Caught these two, mere feet from video games, playing Jenga...

 Intense drivers...

 And a reminder that I would NEVER ever ever want to work in a video game arcade.  Wow.

 We happened upon a great area full of open ended imaginative set ups... moments before we needed to leave.  If we lived closer we would definitely need a membership to this place!

 A quiet dinner at Lulu's house to close a busy day...

 ... and a long night up with a puppy who was still not feeling well...At least there was a pretty moon to keep me company!

Day Two:

The lake got its act together for us on Thursday.

 We had a nearly perfect lake day.  Started the morning with a run and then lazing about with coffee. 

Then, a family kayak over to Eagle Cove...

 ... where we were treated to a nice view of several osprey.   Sigh.  Next time, eagles....

 Winter has taken to riding on kayaks like this....  Or leaning over one side with her face in the water, fishing as we glide...

 More lazing about in the afternoon and then not one but two rides in the Morehouse boat.

Here are Winter and her lake bestie Rae in a rare moment of calm...

 The little girls spent all afternoon industriously painting...

 ... while Nat went and took magical pictures at Great Gully...

After dinner we were treated to a juried art show at the park...

 I loved watching Jack hang out with the "big kids,"  just standing around shooting the s**t...

 Friday:
A nice easy going morning, checking out a few of the Route 90 garage sales as they began to set up, and a stop at Lulu's house...

 Then Barb and I took our crew to Great Gully while Nat took Winter to a country vet (treatment for worms!  good times!)

 This place is just as magical by day.  My big boy, who as usual was reluctant to come on this outing, was the first one to jump into the pool from the waterfall side...

 All of the kids had a marvelous time, jumping, swimming, splashing, hunting for fossils, building dams. We didn't even hike past the first pool...

 Back at the point... Nat and Jack took off for Cleveland and Ivy spent the afternoon swimming and playing with Izzy and Reese.

 These three!

 Walking tacos by the lake to celebrate a great day.

 This is what a puppy looks like after a full lake day...

Saturday:
Ivy girl slept in late, giving me time for coffee, a run, and a kayak with my dog all before 9:30.  I could get used to mornings like this...

I turned my back for  a moment and these kids were back to crafting.  Current idea:  creating bracelets, necklaces and painted rocks to sell. Inspired by the garage sales, of course...

The girls managed to set up a cute little stand (which I did not get a picture of!) and made two sales each by noon.  They are something else, these little entrepreneurs...

Then I took Ivy and Reese for an outing to the pet store (Winter is finally feeling better-- but her collar broke-- and little miss "runs off and goes all over the point" really needs a good collar...) via Route 90.  And at least 10 sales.  The girls had the time of their lives shopping all the old costume jewelry and trinkets. They were given several free items and each made purchases that they were incredibly happy about.  It is a different sort of garage saleing experience, when you are chaperoning two eight year olds.  I spent a lot of time looking at items I otherwise might have skipped... and made far fewer purchases for myself! 

 Refueling at McDonald's on the way home.  These two are sweet as pie together.

One more day til Nat and Jack get back!  Ivy noted to me this afternoon that it is kind of nice here, with just the two of us.  She's right, it is.  Quiet, and easier to keep clean.  But, we miss our boys!  Jack has had one good day of racing so far (5th in 50 free, 3rd-- and a medal!-- in 50 breast) with one more to go.  Can't wait to hug him tomorrow night!