Waterskiing

The boys decided they wanted to try waterskiing this week when we had our boat out on Grindstone.  We borrowed skis from Sue, and they were her Dad's skis, at least 60 years old.  (I think I even learned on those skis!)  The backs were rotted off of the boots and they were adult skis.  Despite our lack of fancy equipment, Kyle mastered skiing.  Ryan also tried, but he was unable to get up on those skis.  We will look for some smaller skis for the boys to use!  Kyle was so proud of himself - he did great!!!  I also got up on skis for the first time in about 20 years, but there is no photographic evidence of that, so I guess you'll just have to take my word for it! :)

Sue helping Kyle:

First time was a short run, the next were much longer!

Second try:

NOW he's got the hang of it and is enjoying himself!

Sue helping Ryan:

He needs smaller skis or the bar that holds them together!!!  Without a back on the boot, it is just too difficult to keep them together!

Kyle showing his waterskiing skills to Grandma and Grandpa:

Giant Slide

Chris' Fairway, the local grocery store in Sandstone, had kids week this week.  The boys went to visit the animals from the nature center on Monday and went down the giant slide on Thursday.  They had so much fun and they are convinced Grandma has the coolest grocery store ever! :)

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Fishing

If I had a dollar for every time my Dad takes my boys fishing, I'd be able to retire.  Dad loves to fish and is happy to have fishing buddies now that the boys are getting older.  Kyle and my Dad go out fishing after the little boys are in bed for the night.  Here they are on one of their evening fishing trips to Lake 11:

Golfing

Kyle has been taking golf lessons this summer and also golfs in a weekly league.  He is getting to be a good little golfer.  I'm glad he is starting young - I've learned it is way more difficult to start as an adult!  He and Evan golfed two mornings on our vacation at Mom and Dad's.  He parred a few holes and even made the green on his first shot on a couple - way to go, Kyle!

Cabin Weekend

Evan took all 3 boys to the cabin for the weekend.  I think it was their first weekend up there, all of them together.  They had a great time, despite the heat index in the triple digits.  They stepped inside the cabin and left as quickly as they entered.  It was way too hot in the woods - they headed to Evan's sister Teresa's house to swim.  Teresa lives in the house they grew up in.  Well, she actually has two homes, one in town and one on the lake, about 4 miles apart.  It is perfect for those hot summer days!  The boys had a blast swimming - jumping off the dock...again...and again...and again!  I am so glad our boys love the water!!!

Boys on the cabin patio (or what would you call that??)

Any idea what he is about to do?

Yep, you guessed it!

Good thing Ryan was heading that way anyway! :)

Put your hands up!

Teresa's lake home:

Dock and beach area:



Rainy Days

We post lots of pictures of our summer fun outdoors, but what about when it rains?  Here is a rainy day in the life of the Mackeys...

Patriotic strawberries made with white chocolate chips and blue sugar:

We had a little left over, so we made blackberries as well!

We also made the vanilla wafer frozen dessert (cool whip with strawberry yogurt between 2 vanilla wafers):

Perfect for these recent hot days!!

Ryan loves solitaire, Grandma taught him how to play and he plays game after game:

And then there's Playdoh, Carter's favorite.  He played Playdoh all...

day...

long...

and then some!

His favorite animals with Playdoh hair! :)

Happy Anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa!

My parents are celebrating 43 years together today.  I came home from work to see this card on the counter.  Can you tell how much the boys love their Grandma and Grandpa?  We are so thankful for them and all they do for us.  We love them both!  XOXO