The Lehmans: July 2011

I had to laugh when I returned to my blog and realized I haven't posted anything in a year. Yes, a YEAR!!! The neat thing is with two posts about Bass Lake back to back, it's easy to see how much Elyse has grown in a year.

I started this blog with great intentions to keep it updated. At the time I was at home on maternity leave and didn't plan to return to work. Needless to say, we took a little detour and decided it was in our best interest for me to finish clearing my teaching credential. Well, I am happy (and relieved) to announce, that with the help of amazing family (especially Karl) and the support of my friends, that goal has been accomplished. By God's grace, He has fulfilled my heart's desire and I have officially been a stay at home mom for the past 2 months, and counting. I know I will miss my teaching job, and I hope to return to it in some fashion someday, but for now I am so excited to be home with Elyse!!!

This summer has been great and we have been fortunate to spend some great quality time as a family (gearing up for a busy harvest that is coming quickly). I will post pics of some of our fun, starting with our annual Bass Lake family vacation with Karl's family!

We were privileged to spend 2 whole weeks at the lake, and the best part was definitely the surprise that came on day 1. Karl's middle brother Derrick, who has lived in Guam for the past year a half surprised us all with a visit home. We were all shocked, and excited, especially because Elyse had never met her uncle before! Of course, they hit it off and had a great time together!

Now for pictures:

Karl, Elyse, Uncle Derrick, and Uncle Rodger

After the reunion everyone headed straight to the water.
"E" and "dada" in the "wa-wa"

Elyse immediately fell in love with the "duckies" and she spent her entire vacation feeding them gold fish and chasing them in the kayak!
(notice how close they were... our fearless Elyse was not afraid at all)

There are about 15 of us who share a 2 bedroom cabin. The kids (well technically we're all adults now), sleep outside on the deck under the stars! Elyse slept inside and was so excited to wake up every morning and play on the air mattresses.

Elyse and Uncle D got some good quality time... here is them being orney with one-another (fitting of both their personalities).
First, she is teasing him...

Then, he is teasing her...

Uncle Derrick thought it was funny teaching E how to drink from a plate!!!

Elyse spending time with Grammy

Love this one of Elyse and Grammy feeding her "baby" a "ba-ba" (two of her favorite things)

She also spent lots of good time with Great G-Ma (Karl's grandma). Here they are playing and coloring.

We also celebrated Gramps birthday!

Playing peek-a-boo with Auntie Amy and "baby"

Kisses for daddy <3

Within walking distance from our dock (through the water) was a nice/muddy/rocky little beach. This soon became one of Elyse's favorites places and she spent a lot of time playing in the sand.

Another favorite activity: being thrown up in the air and caught by daddy. Notice how high she gets, and check out her facial expressions!

The climax of the trip is the fireworks show. It's pretty much the only time we get ready all week. We watch the show from the boat in the middle of the lake. I regret not taking our video camera with us. Although it was too dark and you wouldn't have seen anything, the sounds would have been worth capturing. Elyse absolutely LOVED the show and she OOOed and Awwwed and Wowed and cheered and clapped the entire time... signing and shouting MORE whenever there was a break in the show!!! It was so much fun!

Elyse with Grammy and Gramps

4 generations: Karl with his grandma, mom, and daughter

Giving Auntie Amy eskimo (or butterfly) kisses

When on the dock we fenced Elyse in with bodies and chairs. She was content with a bucket and water.

E and Daddy

Just a picture I really like :)

Of course no trip to the lake is complete without a trip (or 2) to the Forks for a burger, and a trip to Miller's for ice cream (and maybe some onion rings)... or if you are Elyse, ice cream and ketchup!!!

Elyse and mommy (not the greatest picture but we didn't have many together since I was busy taking all the pictures)!

What is summer without watermelon!

And last but certainly not least- the jet-ski! If you know Elyse, she is quite a risk-taker, very adventurous, and not afraid of anything! She especially loves anything that moves: the jet-ski, boat, or kayak. She regularly asked to go for a "ride". But, not just any ride; a "fast ride". If you slowed down, she would beg for "mo" (more)!