More (word) pictures from Bear lake

My photos of the family vacation at Bear Lake were decidedly sparse. I thought I should give a word picture of each of those there.

Halle loved all the food. That gal is an eater. There was precious little she turned down, and with everyone eating constantly, her begging talents served her well. During the marshmallow war, she scavenged for fallen marshmallows – a decidedly iffy action. She loved the birds and always had a finger pointing at the myriad of winged friends. While she doesn't say a lot, she is a great little signer (more, eat, all done) and understands much, much more. She was happy on the beach or floating in her water seat in the pool. She loved going up and down the stairs and putting game pieces in her mouth. While we played games, she entertained herself by throwing clothes pins over the edge of the deck. Her most distressing time happened when her VERY FAVORITE blanket ended up going over the edge and she couldn’t communicate her problem. I guess that Baby Signing Times hasn’t covered, “Blanket overboard”.

Drew was so much fun. While he prefers Lori to the rest of us put together, he would let Grandma, Grandpa, or aunts carry him. He even let Grandma take a nap with him. To avoid bumps (which would cause havoc with his low platelets), he had to keep a subdued activity level. He loved swimming in the pool. He was an outstanding dancer; that kid has talent! With lasso golf, he arranged the balls on the ladder saying he was "decorating". When the decorations were done, whosever’s wedding was being celebrated had to cheer. He loved digging in the sand. Since many of the sand toys were actually kitchen tools, the hole he dug was filled with water and declared to be "gumbo". Being on steroids, Drew was ravenous the entire time. He had a preference for sugar. After eating the frosting off his second cupcake, I tried to encourage him to eat the rest. He sweetly said, "I said, ‘No Thank You.’"

Zach loved the water. Bear Lake has the perfect beach for kids – shallow, warm water out for fifty yards and wonderful sand everywhere. Zach assumed there were two Bear Lakes – the big one you see from the boat and the little ponds you see from the beach. Zach loved digging in the sand. Zach also loved his cousins. He and Brooke were inseparable. Zach loved playing in the boat and would pull those lounging in the pull tube (Big Mable) to and from the stopped boat. Zach showed an interesting flair for interior design as he arranged the Barbie doll furniture (all placed together, with no space in between). Zach loved sticks! We found an awesome walking stick while we were walking (of all things).

Brooke loved the beach and the pool. Sporting new glasses, she looked darling. She never tired of splashing grandpa or floating back and forth with the "frog floaties". At the beach, she dug in the sand, lugged water for the "gumbo", and floated in the rubber raft with Grandma. When the waves crashed over the side of the raft, it was so cold. Brooke declared that the water in the bottom of the raft looked like we had peed. I hoped that was just an analogy not a statement of actual occurrence. Brooke loved playing with Grandpa. For over an hour Sunday night, she and Drew played Sunday School in the basement with Grandpa. She and Drew are great pals, and even after the cousins had left, they found ample ways to be entertained.

Michelle was a great friend to all. The kids loved being with her. I can't tell you how many walks she took with Halle or how many times she took over for Drew so Lori could have a bit of relief. Chelle is amazing with children! Michelle gets the award for being most observant. She was definitely tuned in to others feelings and needs. She was so worried when she found out Great Grandma Allan was coming for dinner on Sunday. She was concerned that the meal she had planned wouldn’t be the typical Sunday meal Great Grandma Allan would expect. Michelle braved the icy waters on Monday morning to succeed at wake boarding. Michelle also organized the siblings to go in on Mom’s birthday gift!

Ben was a great uncle to all the kids. He loved playing with them. Though his plans for studying fell apart when his bar exam materials were inadvertently left home, he was a great sport. He enjoyed skiing and wake boarding, as well as beach sports. Ben was a great support in the kitchen – that chicken taco dinner was wonderful! Ben loved to play games. Whenever things slowed down, he could be found with the "guys" playing Puerto Rico, Power Grid, Acquire, nine-card or some game made up for the occasion. He was always in the thick of the action.

Greg was the life of the party. Wherever fun was happening, Greg was in the middle of it. He loved to ski, wake board, or pull the boat for others do to so. He made up games for the kids, including the foam burrito, as well as for adults (drop pen target practice) and burrito basketball. Greg is a master strategist – coming in as winner or serious contender for every game. His marshmallow thrust had such impact that Drew's cheek was red for an hour. Greg and Kim's shish-kabobs were wonderful as well as was the rice pilaf and birthday cupcakes. Thanks for making a special birthday dinner.

Trisha was a lot of fun, wiping out the competition on Acquire and lasso golf. Her attempt at open water swimming (in preparation for the triathlon) was decidedly weak, however. After walking down to the beach with Halle and two observers, she gave up after getting knee deep. Her excuse was that there were fish, but the freezing water may have had more to do with it. Trish did get in some running and biking and even a little lap swimming in the pool (where there were no fish). Trisha's French dip sandwiches were outstanding!

Brandon was the super dad. He was always with one of the kids so Trisha could have a break. On Saturday, I don't think he even made it down to the beach as he was always with a sleeping child. Brandon, too, loves games. He enjoyed them all, but was particularly skilled at marshmallow war. I think he's been practicing. After making all the guns, he deserved to come out the winner. Brandon was a champion gamer as well.

Kim was in demand as master masseuse. Everyone needed a massage and a diagnosis as to why their back was tight or their X muscle needed work. Kim made great progress on reading The Help, but reluctantly gave it up when she had to leave. (You're on page 312 if you can get it in the Boise library.) Kim enjoyed skiing and wake boarding as well as some good quality beach time. Kim doubled as chauffeur, taking Great Grandma Allan back to Logan after dinner – (Kim had planned to go to Logan to connect with some friends at a barbecue). With a condo built for eight, but accommodating 14, Kim was a good sport to sleep on the floor on a foam pad. She even declared she got some sleep – eventually.

Lori is such an amazing Mom. With all of Drew's medical problems and his desire to be cheek to cheek a good share of the day, she never gets impatient or frustrated. She lovingly cares for the kids and satisfies their needs. While her Acquire skills are weak, she was on the winning marshmallow war team. Lori loved to be in the action – at the pool, on the beach, or in the games. Lori never got in her skiing, citing schedule or weather problems. Maybe next year.

Kram was so cute with Halle. While the kids are a little scared of "Uncle K", the game with Ferdinand had Halle in non-stop smiles. Kram made a great pancakes and awesome scrambled eggs. Kram could be counted on to join the guys in endless games or watch a neglected movie. He even succumbed to sleeping four to a bed – saying the king-sized bed accommodated his entire family by morning – though the kids had started on foam mats on the floor.

Steve was in seventh heaven with all the family around. He loved to play with the kids, compete in games, man the grill, or drive the boat. He never turned down a walk to the beach or a chance to visit with the kids. On more than one occasion he would say, "Wow, we have an impressive family. I am in awe of them." He has always been a great and involved Dad. His most distressing time was when the support for the awning broke and we were left with a very ghetto- looking sunshade. He figured the sheriff patrol (who enforce parking standards on the beach) would give us a warning for most pathetic looking beach gear :-).