Wonder of wonders

An idea for family time at the beach house had been in our thoughts for several months, and much anticipated for some obvious reasons - relaxation, time with all of our daughters and their families together, in a lovely environment (on Lake Michigan), summer weather...

In reality it has been a very special occasion, more than we had even imagined.  The events that came together, some at the last minute, have been something of amazing to me.

The idea of a stay on Lake Michigan, in a private residence was the stuff of dreams for me - and certainly - something I dared only dream of.  When I determined that my lovely companion was serious  about such a venture, I couldn't imagine such a reality, given what it would likely cost; not to mention the likelihood of everyone being able to arrange busy lives to all cooperate with the same time frame.  When I was convinced to, at least,  see what kind of facilities might be available, I was further skeptical when anything I saw did not allow accommodations for as many as we had.

Finally, Holly suggested a website she was aware of that might provide some options.  It was then that we happened upon the property that pretty much fit our need.  Then we learned of Derek's sabbatical from work upcoming this summer.  I was encouraged.  We needed only to hope that they would be able to make a trip here (no small arrangement for them).  There was still the others schedules... and the COST!

It was suggested that we all share the cost equally (not sure how that would work - especially considering the additional cost of travel for the Tangrens.  Though it seemed impossible, everyone (except Greg) was able to squeeze time out for the same.  My only regret was that Greg was unable to be there until the culmination of the time together - the Sunday following.

Holly's experience with planning reunions with the Averys was most helpful in getting food arranged for, and Nikki's willingness to share her excellent teaching talents for FHE were perfect for the occasion.  We were delighted and, frankly, quite surprised with the success of the FHE activity ("Everything you wanted to know about grandma and grandpa, but didn't think to ask").  As it was we had to to close before questions stopped coming.

Of the many memories each will have, only some are: the planned beach activity (that thankfully, Holly pretty quietly orchestrated), the kite flying and the sand sculpture contest (she and Nathan also providing a watercraft that proved to be very popular) - which reminds me of Nathan's famous Mac n' Cheese and he and Ethan's smoothies.  And that reminds me of Nikki's delicious Cafe Rio Chicken, and all the  good eatin' we had.

The memories of the location cannot go without mention - the expansive view of the "unsalted" sea all along the horizon, with it's beautiful clear, clean waters, extensive sand bar for shallow, safe water play, the stunning sunsets, the footprints of wildlife left in the sands while we were elsewhere, warm gentle breezes, the beach grass hugging the path from our perch on the dune to our own private beach - unpopulated for miles, the scent of "sea spray" candle fragrance, and the comfortable (for the most part) private home we occupied - together.

The greatest delight for everyone was the fact that the Tangren's came from across the country and shared those darling boys with us.  Elijah was probably the most popular (followed closely by Noah =).

There were those many casual conversations between cousins, daughters, sons-in-law, etc., and who could forget that great game night, planned and carried off by Kobe.  There was the popcorn and marshmallows at the fire bowl with FHE, the T-shirt and FHE lesson storybook as take home reminders - and probably "tons"of "special" rocks and sand (in our shoes and other belongings).

And on and on... fireworks, nature photos, creative photography, relaxation, reading, pastel painting, sand drawings, sand casting, rock hunting, hugs, naps (at least, Noah, during lunch), a little tiki torch excitement, "yo ho ho, a pirates life for me", a birthday party - and presents for past occasions, hanging out in the cousins "dorm", Sunny locked out on a high balcony without any way to remedy (save for Nathan's rescue), etc., etc.

I especially liked the fact that though there was a TV, we only watched a video one evening with Jackson who was going through withdrawal - having no wii or basketball hoop to play with.  It, too, was a good relaxing, bonding time and it provided a theme for one of our successful sand sculpture entries.

And what could be a better finale for the week than EVERYONE being there with friends and some extended family for the baptism of Jackson and Jaleigh; a perfect end to a wonderful, wonderful weekend.