4th of July at Lake Sammamish

We spent a wonderful 4th of July at Lake Sammamish yesterday.  Since all of us would be staying up til midnight, I knew that it was important Logan and Ella take a nap in the afternoon.  This meant that we needed to pack up and head out early to enjoy the morning at the lake before heading back to my parents for afternoon naps.  We left Ron at home to work on a big project of fixing a section of our fence on the back bank while we headed up to the lake for the late morning and a picnic lunch.  Just the four of us were out there and we had a great time playing together.  We then packed up after lunch and headed to my parents' house where I was fortunately able to get both Logan and Ella to fall asleep.  We headed back out to the lake around 4:30.  My parents, Chris' family, and Eric's family had all arrived by this time.  The children spent a funfilled afternoon running around with the cousins before eating a potluck dinner on the beach.  Ron and my Aunt Myrna and Uncle Gordon had joined us by this point in the day.  After dinner, we broke out the fireworks and tried to kill a few hours before the massive firework show started across the lake at the crazy, late time of 10:15.  Between the fireworks and some evening swimming, the children managed to stay entertained until the "big show."  As always, it did not disappoint.  I marvel every year at this Disneyland-like firework show that is privately funded by someone who lives on the lake directly across from our property.  We always have such a great view and it is always such a fun and late way to end the day.  After getting home after midnight, it was pretty tough to drag the kids out of bed this morning for Logan's and Lia's 9 o'clock swim lessons.  Everyone was still asleep at 8:15.  Needless to say, we didn't make it on time!

Lia and Logan enjoying the paddle board all to themselves in the morning.

The hilarious pose I found Logan in while relaxing on an inner tube.

The awesome picture I got of Logan and Lia jumping off the dock.  Logan sure has gotten a lot braver this summer after a year's worth of swim lessons.  He never would have jumped into the lake like this last summer.

Cute Logan and Ella paddling around in the shallow water.

Lia playing with her older cousins Brynn, Callie, and Vivi in the afternoon.

Most of the kids lined up and soaking in some sun while taking a break from their afternoon swim.

All of Ella's older, girl cousins now like to fight for her attention every time we get together.  I have never had a child get this kind of attention from so many cousins at once.  I guess it is because they are all growing up and taking more of an interest in little ones for the first time.  Regardless, it is a funny thing to watch especially since Ella can be quite fickle with who she will allow to hold her or play with her.  Here she is at the current moment gracing Callie with her presence.

As always, Logan and Trenton were inseparable all afternoon and evening.

Logan and Trenton eating together at the picnic table.

Some of the gang eating dinner.

Logan enjoying an evening dip.

Ella has really blown me away with how brave she already is being at the beginning of the summer. She jumped off the shallow end of the dock over and over again this evening without any help from me.  Here she is swimming back to the shore after jumping in.

The kids playing with sparklers as the sun was beginning to set.

Ella trying out a sparkler.

Two of my favorite things: the Hartland fam and Lake Samm.

Ella twirling away.

Logan doing double duty with his sparklers.

It's almost dark!  Lia posing with Logan and Ella.

The boys lined up on the dock waiting for the show to begin!

Our view of the fireworks across the lake.

One of the many beautiful fireworks we saw that evening.

The beautiful reflection on the lake.  There just isn't a better way to spend the 4th of July!