Alabama

Our first trip to the Irish family lake house was a blast. Amazing hospitality, warm lake water, big storms, comfort food, loud/fun kids and many new memories.

 Most days at the lake started by 10am down in the water, swimming with the kids. Jack didn't like the water much a first but over time really got use to it as long as he was close to someone.

 Amelie spent lots of time in the kiddie pool, just playing with the water and the toys. She was always squinting because it was so bright out. But it was her perfect spot on the dock to get lots of playtime in.

 The boat was a blast. Jack loves anything that goes vroom vroom. He was a trooper when we went fast and wanted to drive or tinker with buttons when we were docked.

 Favorite time of the day, playtime on the dock. Yahh, Amelie had a built in floaty bathing suit on.

I think Jack's favorite thing about the lake was the jet ski. Mike called it a water motorcycle and Jack just thought that was cool. Mike took Jack out on the lake several times on it and it was a blast.

A family picture out the water…where he spent lots of time.

In addition to all the fun things at the lake was the island. Jack got a kick out of going around and around on it and falling off into the lake a couple of times.

Of course going to the lake is all about family and we had lots of great hang out time with the crew. Mike's twin brother Matt and his wife Christi and their girls Meagan and Mattie. Mike's sister Vera and her boys Jonah and Preston. Mike's uncle Bud and aunt Marie who owned the lake house and their daughter Elizabeth and kids Caleb and Olivia. And last but certainly not least, his mom Jennifer and grandmother Vera.

Jack's time roasting marshmallows and eating smoores.

Jack loves to say " I want to play with the kids". That means he wants to watch or play with whoever he sees. Remembering names at this point is hard for him but by the end of the week he knew Caleb, Mattie and Meagan who were the cousins closest in age who he played with. 

Wonderful Gran spending some last moments with baby Amelie.

Walks are a staple thing for Jack, he loves them. He picks up sticks, looks for bugs and gets to run. All boy here. But honestly I think it is a small sign that he knows himself and that sometimes he just had to get away from people and explore and escape. 

Dad and Amelie out for the morning walk.

The dock at sunset.

 The group photo!

The family photo.