End of Summer 2010

Labor Day Weekend. The official "end" of summer, and begin of fall ... and (shhh) winter. What a summer. As the girls grow, I find that we having more and more fun. Lakes. VBS. Water parks. State Fair. Festivals. Swimming. Sleepovers. It seems like we've done them all at least twice this summer. With both girls in school this year, I now understand (of course - I "thought" I understood) what mom's love about summer. The sleeping in, the late night camp fires, the catching of lightening bugs. The simple things of summer.

We ended summer the right way. On an impromptu trip (not my style, mind you..thank my mom for that!) we headed to Merrillville for a overnight stay and water park adventure. With the 90 degree heat and humidity - great idea...right? Well, who would have predicted that 3 days before we head out the temperature drops to mid 60's and cold?? Did I hear somebody say..Gongaware luck? Well, we was not going to let cold weather...and even colder water stop us. Thankfully my Dad, Jeff and Carlie tested the waters with the first water slide. Lots of squeals (think little girl) came from all three :) Words like "numb" "can't feel my legs" and "we are never doing that again" was possibly said. Not to mention that Carlie literally scaled a cement wall to escape the cold water. Have you seen a cat after it's been thrown into water? Yes, that was Carlie trying to escape the water. I thought "well, this is going to be a short day!" But after several attempts of different water activities, mom and I decided we were going down the big slide. The Dragon something-or-other. It should heed as a warning that when you are winded climbing the stairs for a water slide, that the water slide is REALLY TALL. After suffering our way to the top, ready to slide, and the water flow breaks. The nice young man (he looked about 10) told us just to wait..so we waited...and waited...well, it didn't get fixed. Back down 10 flights of stairs. By then, I was ready to get wet and cold. Perhaps this was due to the lack of oxygen from the high altitude of the Dragon slide. So back up we went another slide called "The Vortex." And the fun began. Thankfully, this slide only had 4 flights of stairs, because...and no exaggeration...we did this slide probably 20 times. After literally forcing Carlie to ride it, she loved it. So the day went. Toilet bowl slide, Vortex, Cyclone, Lazy River, Kid Slides, more Lazy River....what a fun day. Pondering the day, I believe that it being low-80's and freezing water was a blessing. We never waited in line for a slide and had our pick of thousands of lawn chairs. Summer memories. They don't get much better.

Dinner Night Before...Rare Grandpa smiling Picture!

When I am a Grandma, I hope I look like my mom...we could really be sisters in this picture...

Yes, please act like you like each other....


Still "considering" getting wet...so cold!!!


Lazy River water was a little bit warmer...Daddy was brave and took the girls...


Cute family pic....


A bunch of drowned rats...with smiles on our faces and lots of love in our hearts...