4th of July Weekend

Last weekend we headed to Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota for our annual Patterson Cousins reunion. Marin met a lot of her cousins (well, 2nd cousins), Jason got in some fishing, and we both got in our annual dose of showing off in the way of water sports. I laid it on really thick since being pregnant last summer left me an observer rather than a participant, and left me begging for this years opportunity. I didn't fare so badly, either. First time out on the kneeboard I did a 360, and after my first wipe out, I did two 360's in a row! Not bad for an old lady. (Can you hear the horn tooting all the way to your own computer?!) :)

These trips are always a good time. Not only because it is a very laid back group where casual conversation and laughter are totally organic, or because we have two boats and every water equipment toy at our disposal- but because it is family. And the time is jammed full of everything that word draws to mind. Good times, with good people, a lot of laughter, and the requisite consumption of beer and junk food.

When we started these trips maybe eight years ago, there were no children, and the majority of us were just past college age. This year, there were five children (ages: 7yrs, 5yrs, 14mos, 9mos and 5 mos) and the "adult" crowd is, well, at the age where staying up until 11pm is pushing it. If you're like me, you fight through the drooping eye lids waiting for someone else to suggest calling it a night; if you're like Jason, you excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, and never come back again. Lucky for him, he avoided the ceremonial "pile on" (which is the normal penalty for being the first to bed) for fear that we would either wake the babies, or bust the air mattress.

Marin looked so cute in her little life jacket, and was a rock star on the boat. When it was nap time, we made a little cubby for her on the floor under the dashboard of the boat where she slept for hours. It was in this very spot that she slept right through her very first fireworks.

She loved watching her older cousins, and they all played with her so sweetly. Marin played in the sand, loved the water, and survived the weekend burn free and without getting sunscreen in her eyes. I think it's safe to say- we have a water baby! Hip Hip Hooray! One day, she even drove the boat! ;)

Jason's cousin Bob and Gretchen were perfect hosts. As a group of 9 adults and 5 babies the lake was not the only place we left a wake. I am sure their home (and their pets, who are used to the quiet) are still recovering from the Patterson takeover. But, we had great weather, and enjoyed our time together. What could be better than that?

Thank you, thank you, Patterson cousins. Our group may have evolved over the years, but the memories are still being made.