Camping and Boating

In mid-September we had a little outing to Lake Lanier with some friends from church. Once you load all the stuff in your car--camping chairs x 6, sleeping bags x 6,  pillows x 6, beach towels x 6, change of clothes x 6, tent, duffle bag, cooler, laundry basket of food, fishing gear, coffee maker, air mattress (not trying to rough it here)--it does seem a shame to stay only one night. But still worth it.

 

After the roasting hot summer we had it was hard to believe the high would barely break into the 70s. When these crazy girls went in the water Friday evening it was probably 60 something and breezy.

 

Before the trip Nate had declared he would catch a bass to eat for supper. Sure enough…

(at least, Erik is letting Nate take the credit)

 

The kids had a great time playing at the water’s edge while burgers were grilling. You can see that the lake is pretty low again. I think that whole “beach” area they’re on should be under water.

 

Brothers throwing rocks.

 

Fish cleaning.

 

Fish sautéing.

 

Fish eating.
Nate was very pleased and did eat a good portion, but I think he may have discovered that what he had previously identified as a taste for bass was actually a taste for fried food (the only way he has eaten it before).

 

Chow time.

 

Since Meg’s birthday was the next day, we brought along one present,  glow bracelets from Nate, which she magnanimously shared with the other 10 kids.

 

Marshmallow time.
(I think Nate had 6 s’mores.)

 

Cutie.

 

Outdoorsman.

 

Saturday morning dawned cloudy and windy, so we bundled up in jeans and jackets to board the pontoon boat we had reserved.

 

Brrrr.

 

Meg and Anna.

 

Optimistic, we brought our swimsuits along. Caleb stayed in the water about 45 seconds.

 

Nate held on a little longer because the slide off the back of the boat was so fun. But before long everyone shivered back on board and changed into warm, dry clothes again.

 

 

Halfway through our four hour rental period the sun broke through and it turned into a beautiful day! Blue skies, sparkling water. Back into the bathing suits. More swimming, sliding, playing on muddy little island shores, picnic lunch. A good time was had by all!

Meg with the famous and beloved Maggie Halbert, babysitter and friend from church.