Lake Day

Ten years ago, my parents bought a house at Lake Hartwell. We would spend almost every weekend down there when we first bought the house. We would boat, ride the jet ski, and just hang out on the dock or have a floating armada in the water. There have been some good times at the lake (with and without the knowledge of the parental units!). Graduation, engagement, and birthday parties have all taken place there as well as it being a gathering spot for friends and family. I have so many fond memories of the times spent there, and almost every story ends in laughter at something crazy that happened. However, as we have all gotten older and have families of our own, we all have different schedules not allowing us to use the lake house as we used to. My dad was the bearer of the responsibility of keeping it maintained...which turned out to be a lot of work at times. Because he wasn't going as much himself, he felt it was time to sell. He has a buyer, so we decided to have one last hurrah at the lake and help say good bye in a fun way before he closes on the house. 

This was Cal's first time to the lake to play and enjoy. He had been many times during football season to get everything packed and ready to go over to campus to begin tailgating for the day. He has also been on a boat several times in Charleston, but not on the lake yet. I bought him a float with a shade (since he won't leave a hat on his head for more than 5 seconds) to use in the lake, and had the life jacket for use on the boat. Callen had a blast and was splashing his hands in the water and kicking his feet as best as possible in the float. He loved when people swam up to him underwater and then surprised him by popping up in his face. 

Cal was not a fan of the boat ride because it was so hot and he was confined to the life jacket. He pretty much fussed the entire time until we got to our rest spot and he was able to take off the jacket. We are trying to instill in him now that anytime the boat is moving, he has to have on his jacket. As soon as he begins walking, he will have to wear the life jacket whenever he is on a dock.

Driving with Papa

Cal and Ella in their life jackets. You could barely see Ella's face!

We had a great last day at the lake house. Lots of laughs, hanging out with family, and remembering the past fun times at the lake. I am sure we will still all convene at the lake for a day of fun, but it will be on a beach somewhere and for the day only...not an overnight or weekend trip.

Everyone looks so excited!

Thanks to Big Steve for everything you have done with the lake house. Thanks for helping to make so many memories by purchasing the house. Thanks for trying to get everything cleaned, fixed, and in working order before we come down so all we have to do is play. The times at the lake house will forever be in my memory. Doug was able to feel like a part of our family by spending 'one night' (which turned into almost a week) at the lake house after having known us only a few months!!! I can speak for him when I say he has special memories of the lake and time spent with everyone there. I hope Cal and Ella can have as much fun at the lake in the coming years as we have been able to have!

Cal loves his cousin Ella...giving her a kiss!