Tuesday, July 7, 2009

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY: 4th OF JULY AT THE LAKEHOUSE


We celebrated 4th of July up at the cottage with the Irish side of the family. Although our renovations are not yet completed, everyone had a warm bed and a meal on the table. I went on a scavenger hunt for cheap patriotic decor and much to my delight, The Dollar Tree had just about everything I was looking for. I noticed many of the same items out there in blogland and was tempted to go back a second time after spotting some things I missed!!

Emily was in "Future Interior Designer" delirium, playing with the red, white and blue garland, stars and flags. It's hard to tell in some of these pictures but she managed to make her mark on just about everything. She also rearranged some furniture and cleaned out my linen closet.


Food was aplenty. These pictures may not look very cohesive as I was using Emily's camera and most of the time she wouldn't let me have it. Difficult children. Above are my nieces, Grace and Trish, posing in front of a more healthy treat compared to some of the rest. The dip for fruit is made with marshmallow fluff and cream cheese. If you haven't had it before, let me know and I will post the recipe. It is wonderful.




Meals were simple; hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage, and chicken on the grill. We also had pasta salad, potato salad and Papa's tomato, cucumber and feta cheese salad. Although there was an abundance of fruit available, I lost all sense of control and had banana bread and sour cream donuts every morning for breakfast. Holidays are about food, right? I haven't weighed myself since I got home.



We like our bonfires. You can't see the bonfire since I only took pictures of the people around the bonfire. Here is Emily and Mike, her boyfriend.





Mike, Papa and brother~in~law Marty's leg.







A picture of The Husband and Emily. I can't remember if this was before or after she showed him her new nose ring. Must be before~they look civil.







Grace and Trish playing on our beach.







"And my third wish is that I could stay here forever!"










Fun on the boat. For some reason Emily set the color on the camera to sepia. Not a great idea when you are on blue water under a blue sky. Above, Abby and sister~in~law Megan.









No more sepia!! The happy passengers!











Emily













The Husband and Trish...












...or the Captain and First Mate!














And my favorite boating pastime: looking at the beautiful lake houses!






































































We moved on to the wave runners. Note the three redheads. I told you this was the Irish side of the family!!



















Sister~in~law, Karen.




















A nice after dinner walk.






















Cousins. Grace, Trish and Liz.





















"I had a great holiday. How about you?"
For more great Outdoor Wednesday posts, visit our hostess Susan at A Southern Daydreamer and see what everyone else is up to outdoors!!
xoxo
Jane























48 comments:

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Looks like a GREAT time wsa had by all. I too like visiting and looking at the Lake Houses. Thanks for sharing. The kids all looked precious and there was joy on every face. Happy Outdoor Wednesday. I signed up to Follow your BLOG. I have to come back. Please stop over and say Hi. I would be honored if you signed up to follow my BLOG as well. Country Hugs, Sherry

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Janie! What great, fun family pictures!! And you remarked what I was thinking... you can tell it's the Irish side with all of the red hair. And I LOVE red hair! It's so pretty.

What a great lake, your decorations were fun, the food looked delicious, and your crowd all looked like they were enjoying themselves. What a fun Fourth!

Love to you, and I will email you tomorrow! Thanks!

XO,

Sheila :-)

xinex said...

Hi Janie, You have a beautiful family and what a fun weekend! So nice that you could all be together....Christine

Keetha Broyles said...

I actually loved the one sepia shot. Wouldn't want them ALL that way - - - but one was really interesting.

Paula@SweetPea said...

I loved seeing the pictures of your family weekend at the lake. It looks like you had a grand time!

Your decorations look pretty and your food looks and sounds yummy. I think my mom had some of the same decorations on her table at the beach!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I love the family pics and the beautiful decor you set out! This looks so much fun,but where is the pic of Janie? I got a kick out of the nose ring story! Come by for a visit, miss talking to you! Cindy

Sue said...

I'll be a seein' the Irish this weekend, too! SIL is celebrating her 50th jubilee as a nun so it's off to Iowa for the celebration. You guys looked as if you were having loads of fun! Plain old hot dogs and burgers always sound good. You can post your fluff/cream cheese dip recipe for me, Janie. Healthy strawberries and sweet calories DO mix! Glad you had fun.
:-)Sue

Dana and Daisy said...

looks like a wonderful time and your lake house is just beautiful and also warm and welcoming! Nice Job Jane!

p.s. love that "healthier" dip, one of my fav's.

Stacey said...

That looks like so much fun! Your whole family looks happy to be there.

Sue said...

Hi Jane,
What a wonderful time you all had making these wonderful memories, I so enjoy looking at pictures of families being together. You have such a beautiful place to go rest and relax. Thank you for sharing.
Sue

Kat said...

Janie, what a wonderful weekend and such a beautiful post! How special that you have this beautiful place for family and friends to gather and make such special memories. I laughed at your comment about civility and the nose ring - DH would have had a COW! And I love all those redheads - being of Irish extraction myself I sure hope that they remembered lots and lots of sunblock! Thanks for sharing this special holiday with us. Hugs, Kathy

Anonymous said...

How fun!

Looks like everyone had a great time. I love all the redheads :)

April said...

You guys sure know how to have fun and celebrate! You're a lot like me...time on the lake is the only way to go! I love all of that gorgeous red hair! Thanks for sharing your fun 4th with us!

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
What a terrific time you had, I felt like I was there to. (actually wish I was) I adore being on the water and your house looks wonderful. Great family pictures and everyone looked like they had such a great time. I love that cream cheese and marshmallow dip, very yummy but the tomato feta salad sounds intriguing. I wouldn't mind seeing that recipe ;) Thanks for the heartwarming post.
Maryrose

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

What a delightful family weekend! I laughed at the nose ring comment!!! I love when family all gathers....It's such a RICH time. I always come away with so much to think about...the food, beach, boat and everything looks wonderful. Your blessed my friend, xoxo~Kathy@ Up-North Mornings...

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Looks like you had a fun time. Thanks for sharing
Glenda

Unknown said...

Janie, I think your pictures just captured the real meaning of fourth of July: Family, food and fun! I had to say "Oh, no" outloud when you mentioned the nose ring! Lovely pictures!

Barb said...

Hi Jane, your pictures are wonderful....so full of family closeness and love.

Really glad you had a nice July 4th. Our lake had more traffic than I have seen in a while....lots of people having a good time.

Thanks for sharing. Just delightful!!

Hugs, Barb

Fifi Flowers said...

Perfect post to link with my LAKE post!!!

Kathy said...

All the Irish eyes were smiling, what a wonderful family fun weekend and what a beautiful family you have. my daughter had red hair then went and coloured it blonde YIKES we all had kittens, luckily it grew out!. happy summer days at the lake, I love Fifi's painting. Kathy.

Ashley ~ said...

Hey Pretty Lady ~ Thanks for taking us along on your holiday at the lake. Loved all the pics. Thanks for visiting and taking my little tour of Dallas today too. I was late posting today, so probably not too many has been by yet. I usually get my post linked up earlier, but I'm dragging a little bit today. (cringe) I hope you are having a great afternoon*!
(((hugs))) _Ashley*

Lori E said...

Summertime and the livin' is easy. Fish are jumping and the cotton is high.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Wow..it looks like you have a terrific time! What a beautiful family you have!
We are Irish but our hair is not red...well..it is a deep dark burnished type of red that shows in the sun like a new penny! I wanted at least ONE little red head..and so did my mother...but nope! All dark. :) So cute!
I always enjoy your post, Blondie! Always!!
~smiles~
Mona

Amy said...

Wow, does that look like a fun-filled weekend or what? Your menu of goodies sounded so yummy. I love picnic food! Thank you so much for sharing your weekend with us all. Summer really is the best season! Amy :)

Chandy said...

What a beautiful family to enjoy 4th of July celebration and enjoying lake time fun!

Mary Bergfeld said...

It really looks like the entire family had a ball. It's so nice when everyone can get together for the holidays. Have a wonderful day.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jane: What great photos! It looks like ya'll had a glorious time!!! We were at the lake too and it was just the best!

Love the redheads! (Not that I have anything against blonds, you know, I mean, I am a blond too but...)

Have a great week!

Lou Cinda :)

Sandi (Meme) said...

What a fun time at the lake you had! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I enjoyed your photos of your family, it was too windy for us to get out on the waverunner, so I'm glad SOMEONE got to enjoy theirs!! Come by and see me again sometime!

SmilingSally said...

What a magnificent setting for a family time of fun! You certainly had a good 4th.

Anonymous said...

I would of loved to be at the lakehouse, it looks like you had a really fun time.

Pam said...

As usual you have the most beautiful photographs. Everyone looked so happy--I'm guessing until the nose ring incident? lol

Beth at Aunties said...

Janie,

The lakehouse looked like a perfect holiday filled with family yummy food and laughter.

I am glad you ahve the escape fromt he city to be able to go to haven of peace and relaxation.

The kids and grownups alike looked like they were having a great time. You must be a wonderful hostess!

~♥

RobinfromCA said...

What a fun family day! And a beautiful lake to celebrate on as well. Love those lake houses!

Happy Outdoor Wednesday!
Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts

Candy said...

Wonderful time, happy memories for the scrapbook.

Cheers,
Candy

Anonymous said...

Oh what fun fun fun you had! Lots of food, beautiful day to celebrate, and wonderful company. i don't think you could ask for anything more.

I laughed at the picture of your husband and Emily. Civil - LoL

I love the picture of the lake with your nephew(?) and the lake house at the background with a sorta like sepia feel. It's just beautiful.

Li

Neabear said...

Looks like a great time was had by all. Looking at the lakeside houses as you go by is something I would enjoy too. That would be the best part of the boat ride.

Joan@anythinggoeshere said...

I See that you are just around the corner. You should consider becoming a follower of my blog if you like vintage and antiques because I am a dealer and I have been blogging about where I shop and what I make and sell.

Great outdoor pictures and it looks like so much fun. Happy outdoor Wednesday. xo Joan

Kathleen said...

That was great! Reminds me of my Irish Cath family..minus the nose ring, ie! That wouldn't go over big here either!!:)
Looks like a wonderful weekend..We have a Grace too, named after my mom, and gdau is Lily Grace...
Thanks for the kind words..thank God they make waterproof casts so she was in the bay with the rest of the family having a great time.
As for the pulled pork..I don't use a recipe, but next time I make it I will write down how I do it...
I use a pork butt, a crock pot, a lg bottle of reg Coke, onions etc..
I promise I will send you the recipe, and put it on the blog!
Great to hear from you again! And I love your decorations and decorators! Adorable..( son won't allow pics on the net..:( they are cute, believe me...:)!)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Thanks for visiting.
Those are outlet stores and still high. I do go to see what they have sale and have managed to get some things at a reasonable rice.
Glenda

KBeau said...

Looks like you had a great holiday weekend. Thanks for showing us all of those gorgeous lake houses.

BTW, I can't take credit for the daylilies or hydrangeas. Those are from my cousin's garden. I just wish I could grow them, but the deer eat both when they come through my yard at night, so I have to stick to "deer resistant" plants.

jeanne said...

Hello Jane, I love your fourth of July outdoor post with the family having so much fun. Your photos make me smile. It is obvious you have a wonderful loving family. Love those redheads. Could be because I am one too. The homes on the lake are stunning. I love the dollar Tree for decorations such as these. All the fun and little money. Win, Win.

Hugs...Jeanne

Unknown said...

A perfect day! What a great memory that will be!

~Liz

Cindy said...

Looks like you had lots of fun in the sun! Great photos. There is nothing in the world more wonderful than family. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my sweet little baseball player. Hugs ~CINDY S~

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

looks like so much fun!

xinex said...

Hi Janie, my post for tomorrow, 3 or More Tues, is about jewelry storage. I know you asked me for some ideas on how to organize jewelry so come for a visit, ok?....Christine

instant online cash loans said...

You have a cheerful family. It’s nice to have a day with your family especially after a stressful week just so everybody can relax and have some fun.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I have a feeling...the husband *might* have been tipped off to the nose ring at this point. He looks...a bit, er, concerned? Or maybe it's just stoic, lol!!

Look at all of those amazing homes! Looks like you are enjoying every minute of the summer...yay! We've been busy beavers at the shore house. I just checked my home email for the first time in like a week which is crazy for me! As much as I love "the internets"...sometimes it's nice to go back to the days of just sitting on the beach/lake. :-)

Keep enjoying, dear Miss Blondie!!
xo, Laura

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