Our last two full days at the lake. We really spent most of our time in the water, either swimming near the dock or out on the boat and jet ski. The most daring of the kids had mastered the art of staying on the raft while the boat driver tried (at the kids request) to eject them at speed. It was a marvel and joy to see them hit a wake and fly three to four feet in the air, and land with smiles on their faces.

Billy and Katie joined us the previous night and added to the fun both days out. Katie was great to accommodate Kristen and her friend by accompanying them on the jet ski as the adult and going off for long periods of thrill and boy seeking.

At the last minute, we decided that kc and John Michael would squeeze into the cars and travel back to Bluffton so that she could see Kevin’s new house and John Michael could be with the cousins for the week they are with their dad for his birthday. Kevin had the pleasure of packing a rental Yukon with tons of stuff and seven kids for the drive. John Michael had a blast and experienced his first fine cuisine from a Mc Donalds drive through. kc squeezed into Angela’s car to drive back with Angela and Mary Pat. Billy and Katie drove me to Atlanta early Sunday morning for a flight back to San Diego.

All in all, another fantastic family vacation. Thank you, Mary Pat!

The jet ski ran nearly all day. John Michael accommodated to the time-change after a day in Georgia, so he’d wake by 6:00. He’d eat an enormous bowl of Froot Loops and we’d go for a long drive on the calm lake with him driving. He’s a very responsible operator, watching for traffic and giving fishing boats as big a separation as reasonable. However, when conditions were good, he’d open that throttle and see how fast that machine would go!

In the evenings, we’d often play a highly contested game of Mexican Train. Keri and Kaley joined the competition and learned it quickly. The adults were impressed.

Ann joined us again, in time for another beautiful sunset.

It was Wednesday, when the weather forecast was dismal, but actual conditions were terrific.

I had tangled a tow rope in the jet ski drive and after Kevin worked for a few hours trying to extract it, I went across the cove to try to borrow a utility knife. I approached a family launching two jet skies and asked and the husband said, “Oh, I’ve fixed that problem a couple of times, including yesterday morning. I’ll be back here this evening and, if you call me, I’ll give a hand.” That evening, he towed our jet ski with his and then loaded it on his trailer. He had all the necessary tools and completed the job in about 30 minutes. He refused to accept any money for his time and work, but he did bring his little boy to the house for a large ice cream cone. What a nice person.

And what a great sunset!

Our second full day at the lake. Ann Grover, Mary Pat’s cousin who lives in Cumming, joined us for a full day of water activities. The kids (and kc) had great fun jumping from the boat as seen in the videos at the bottom.

Videos of jumps and dives from the boat

John Michael, Kristen, Cameron & Keri

Keagan

kc