Did somebody say S'MORES!?!

Another 'must' at the lake is to make a fire and roast some s'mores.  Mmmmm...we had marshmallows imported from Colorado, so they were extra yummy, lots of chocolate, and plenty of messes.

The Zoo

A trip to the zoo was on our list of things to do in NY, so we packed up the car and left the lake for a day for another adventure.  The weather was a little iffy, so the pictures were tough to get, but the kids loved watching the elephants play and the penguins dive around in the water and follow them around the observation windows. 

Horse Lessons

Aunt Kimmy and Belle gave Lilly and Davis a horse lesson.  Lilly looked like a real rider and very professional.  Davis giggled and kept patting Belle's behind. 

Farm Day

Once a year the farms in central NY host an open farm day where the public is invited to tour their farms.  We visited three different farms.  The first farm was an all organic farm with chickens, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep...all the standard farm animals, but they do everything without gas powered machines, so they till the fields with an old piece of farm equipment and the two draft horses.  The kids got to hold baby chicks and drink raw milk.  It was a pretty cool farm.  The second farm was an all chicken farm.  The chickens were free range and the kids got to visit the chicken "coop", which was like a chicken coop Hyatt.  The third farm had prize cattle and sheep.  The cattle were used for showing and breeding, and the sheep were used for milk products and meat.  The kids still haven't stopped talking about the farms and keep asking to see more. 

Too Much Playing

Warning...too much play time in the water can lead to exhaustion and could cause one to fall asleep during dinner.  Play with caution.  

Cousins

Another highlight of spending time in NY is playing with our cousins, Katelyn and Christopher.  Here are some pictures of playing in the water with them. 

Lilly Water Skiing

We have spent the day in the boat water skiing and tubing.  Lilly watched her cousin Katelyn water ski and decided that she would like to try it.  We just figured it would be good experience for her to put on the skis and at least just try it.  So we dragged out the beginner skis, dad helped her from the water, and here's what happened... 

OK...so that was a surprise.  Apparently Lilly can water ski.  She went about 5 more times with greater success each time.  WOW!  Pretty cool for a 5 year old. 

Fun in the Lake

We have been so busy at Grandma and Grandpa's lake.  We have spent a lot of time in the water and boat.  Some of our favorites have been going to the raft and jumping off the dock. 

Lilly's Horse Show

 Lilly had her first horse show with Aunt Kimmy and her horse Belle in Skaneateles, NY.  They were in a lead line class where Aunt Kimmy led Lilly around the rink.  The judge also asked Lilly some equine questions, and she got all the questions correct!  Here she is dressed and ready to go.   

 It was so hot and Lilly had to wait for awhile before her class started.  She was melting. 

 Lilly and Aunt Kimmy entering the horse rink.

 Lilly doing her best keeping her heels down and sitting up straight. 

 Lilly, Aunt Kimmy, and Belle stop to pose for a picture. 

 A lap around the rink during their class.

Lilly, Belle, and Aunt Kimmy got first place!  Yahoo!

Happy Birthday Jeff

Our first night in NY and Jeff gets his favorite birthday cake - carrot cake!  Yum!

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July America!  We have been busy this weekend with many 4th of July activities.  We spent Sunday night in Edwards watching the Avon fireworks and grilling out with friends.  Monday morning we went to Vail to watch the parade.  Despite the heat, the kids enjoyed the scene, collecting candy, and watching all the commotion of the various floats.  Then, we watched the fireworks from our backyard in Eagle on Monday night.  Well, almost all of us.  Davis was so exhausted he literally fell asleep in his bowl of spagetti at dinner, so he missed out on the Monday night fireworks...don't tell! 

 Quincy and Lilly at the Vail parade. 

Davis and mommy watching the parade.

Getting ready to head up the hill behind the house to watch the Eagle fireworks.  As Lilly was watching the fireworks, she said, "They are jumping into my eyes."

Bike Ride in Vail

Jeff and Kelly were able to enjoy a mountain bike ride together on Vail Mountain this past week.  The weather was perfect, the trails were in great shape, and we had tons of fun sneaking away for a few hours.  Here is Kelly coming down Hank's in Vail.