IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE!

Well, it's Thursday already and I can't believe my vacation is winding down.  Even though we didn't take that little trip to the island on Lake Erie that we were talking about, and though I missed the county fair this year, I feel like time has flown!  One of the best things we did was throw the cocktail party last night for our long time friends on the lake.  Would you believe thatthe above picture is the only one I took?!  This was our mini bar next to the outdoor frige which was filled with cold beverages.  Our guests arrived between 6:00 and 6:30, each bringing a hot or cold dish.  My huge harvest table was filled with delicious salads and appetizers.  It didn't take long before people were making themselves plates and I was busy greeting and mingling!  You know how that goes.  We get so busy here on the weekends, and even our friends that live here year round are involved with chores and family time, so we don't see one another much.  It was a wonderful time!

The last time I posted I wrote that I would share pictures of our big family weekend that went from Friday to Sunday night.  There was a whole lot of fun on the water with the wave runners, kayaks, boat, paddle boat and even The Beast...The Husband's fishing boat!  We made trips to the sandbar, dropping people off to play in the knee deep waters along the shore line.  Others, like me, sat and enjoyed the 85 degree temperatures and a light breeze. I did take Mary Clare's mother, Peggy, out on the wave runner for a scenic tour of the homes along the lake.  She enjoyed her first ride and I was careful not to speed! :)

There was tons of food (and cold water), and plenty of snacks. 

Here is son Kevin relaxing on one of his rare days off from work.

It looks like someone has a secret!

But they're not telling!

Someone must have set out a new appetizer to try!

Oh, don't you miss the days when playing on the beach was so much fun?

This is Papa posing with his granddaughters (mine are missing).  Still recovering from recent surgery, Papa had a ball!

The captain of the boat took a much needed break.  I have to thank The Husband for all of his hard work keeping everyone busy and happy.  A BIG smooch to you! :)

This is the buffet that was set out in the kitchen Sunday night.  Everyone brought a side dish to go with the hamburgers, chicken and brats.  Look at that delicious strawberry salad!

And this is who made it, my pretty sister in law, Karen.

The kids never seemed to wear themselves out.  Everyone has permanent smiles on their faces.  Look at these cute freckles!

It was another memory making weekend at the lake with the family that I love so much.  It was so good to see Papa relax and have fun, the kids run and jump off the dock, Milo running around with them, chasing after the boats and toys as they left the dock.  I wish all of you could have been there...well you sort of have with all these pictures.  Thanks so much for following along! :)

I'm joining Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday