Return to Eden

The kids and I kicked off our spring break with a short weekend in Eden. This just happens to be the name of the street on which the Pryors' lake house is situated, and it couldn't be more apropos. The last time we visited was during the summer, when swimming was the name of the game. This time around, the water wasn't warm enough for that, but the weather was just right for a whole lot of firsts. Including Danny's first experience with a fishing reel (Grandfather Arensdorf would be so proud!):


The kids' first time around a campfire, complete with s'mores:


And, above all else, dominating the stories initially blurted out to Tim when we returned home, was their first full-fledged boating outing. When we last visited the lake house, the boat was not in the water, but this time Dave slaved over it and got it sea-worthy for us, and we enjoyed every moment. I was mildly concerned that both of them would be too wary of the ride once the speed picked up, but it turns out they loved it. Danny preferred to be close to either Jennifer or myself during the speedy times, but still sang songs and exclaimed happily throughout the ride. And Clare's reaction is best likened to the images of mermaids at the prow of old-fashioned ships. She spent most of the time at the farthest point of the front of the boat, and she had an ear-to-ear grin the entire time.



Danny did doze off for a bit towards the end of our earlier outing. Not a bad way to snooze, really.


We took the boat all around the lake, and we also headed over to one of their favorite beach areas. While the water was still a bit chilly, it wasn't enough to completely deter Clare. Danny wasn't quite as enthusiastic about the water, but did get quite interested in "shay-uls" (shells to the rest of us).



I spent a lot of time this weekend thinking about how lucky I am to have good friends with such an incredible getaway, and one that they so graciously share. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of reasons to be grateful for my friendship with the Pryors. Jennifer has a heart of gold (but enough devil in her to make her fun), and her kids dig my kids, just to name a few. So really, it has nothing to do with their stellar vacation house. I swear! At the end of the day, it really is who you know. And I know some good ones.