We're Still Here!

The fam in Lake Erie

There's lots to report since the last post, as summer has flown by (as it usually does!).  And, while the heat even lets up from time to time, Libby and Mary haven't stopped going--it's been one exciting adventure after another for the ladies, as they try to get as much "Mom and Dad Funtime" before New Sibling compromises Mom and Dad's time.

The Splash Sisters

The high points of the summer so far, along with June's Salt Fork vacation and the Fourth of July parade were a trip to Uncle Ed and Aunt Cathy's house in Vermilion and a week in Marblehead with Mom's family.  It was in Vermilion where the girls got their first-ever encounter with Lake Erie.  Libby was a little tentative at first (more on this later), while Mary had no qualms barreling right in.  Libby finally warmed up, and the girls each enjoyed the lake in their own way--Libby floating lazily on a raft and Mary jumping head-first into the waves!

The annual "How Tall Am I" shot at The Patio

The week in Marblehead was a great success, because it entailed a week-long sleep over with cousins Claire, Corinne and Declan.  So, no matter what happened or what the plans were, it was going to be a good week for the girls.  The big hit of the Marblehead week was the pool in the backyard complete with waterslide!  Once again, Mary was thrilled to try out the slide and swim in the pool by herself with her swimvest.  While Libby enjoyed swimming and jumping, it wasn't until Wednesday that she finally went down the slide.  Of course, she loved it, but she wasn't quite ready to try it more than a few times.

At Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

 Events of the week included multiple trips into Lakeside, where the girls enjoyed donuts from The Patio, went shopping for jewelry and Libby played her first round of putt-putt (with Dad, Uncle Jerry, Claire and Corinne).  It didn't take her long to figure out how to best manage the course--rather than "teeing off" from the designated area, she would place the ball just inches from the cup to better maximize her putting ability.  After a bogey on No. 1 (to be expected on her first hole ever), Libby found her stroke and finished with a 19.  She liked it so much, and did so well, that she and Dad went back and played again later in the week.

She's already a better putter than Uncle Tony

The girls also got another go-round with Lake Erie, this time at Bay Pointe beach.  The conditions were much different fromt their first time, as the waves were rolling in pretty high and pretty fast.  The girls were much more comfortable this time around, and they especially liked jumping head first into the waves as they came crashing in.

Mmmmmmmm, Patio donuts!

Of course, vacation wasn't all swimming and playing.  There was lots of eating as well.  Along with the aforementioned Patio donuts, the girls made multiple ice cream runs to Dairy Dock, went to Bruno's for pizza and made cupcakes with Dad.  The other highlight of the trip was the old arcade games in the rec room.  All the kids enjoyed the sights and sounds, although they didn't really have a clue what they were doing!

Superfly!

There has been more than just vacation, however.  The girls have continued to "decorate" their bedroom and have really gotten used to bunking together.  There have been trips to the zoo and the park as well as hours spent in the pool, both at home and elsewhere (thanks cousin Emma!).  They've also played with their friends Will and Henry, had a surprise visit from Aunt Nellie and had lots of fun during their regular weekly visits with their grandparents.  Suffice to say the girls are loving life right now.  Which is good, as it's all going to change.  Soon.  Very soon.