Are we still quoting from Sixteen Candles? I guess I still do…
And whenever I think about lakes I think about the Donger. As I did just now since I’m about to post a ton of pictures from our trip to Catoctin Lake on Sunday.
It’s been so hot in the DC area lately that Chris suggested we head for the mountains, and hopefully cooler temperatures. Instead of baking at our community pool, we could take a picnic to a nearby lake.
This particular lake was about an hour and a half away – a drive that wasn’t too painful, but long enough to require a little planning. And by planning, I mean that Chris did research and then Sunday morning, I asked him, “are we still going to that lake?” Then ensued a confused flurry of towels and bathing suits, followed by a stop at the closest grocery store where Chris ran in to pick up our picnic lunch. And by picnic lunch, I mean two pieces of fried chicken that only he and Eleanor would touch, a box of butter crackers and a can of spray cheese.
Luckily, it my “cheat day” for the low carb diet I’ve been doing and I had already consumed a hearty breakfast.
Then we were off to the lake!
Now, when Chris had proposed this trip, I – with my lack of lake experience – had pictured a quiet spot reached via brambly path. So I was more than a little surprised by the packed parking lot and crowded beach.
There were even lifeguards!
Not exactly “oh the humanity!” – but not far from it…
It was really pretty though if you looked at the view above the heads of the crowd.
I also liked all of bright umbrellas against the dark green foliage.
More importantly – the kids LOVED it!
Chris and I didn’t really swim since we had to keep an eye on the kids (of course that’s why!). So my pictures of him were more like this:
And (unprecedented!) he actually took some pictures of me. This was the only one that turned out though…
You see, there is a reason that I am the official family photographer. It’s just not Chris’ forte. He doesn’t have a lot of patience for setting up a shot and his sense of composition isn’t the best.
Here is a perfect example:
Seems like it would be a fine picture, but I’m turned at a strange – and entirely unflattering – angle. And check out my siamese twin!
But hey – good intentions and all that…
After we (meaning the parents) had enough of the lake, we took a short (and daughter-who-needs-to-rest-every-ten-paces friendly) hike.
And then my camera battery died. But you know – if you’ve seen one tree or rock formation, you’ve seen them all.
And NOW I have to get the kids out of the house since they are literally ripping it apart as I type. Think it’s time for the pool. Which is quite honestly more my speed. It’s walkable, the water is fish-free and I’m the one packing snacks.
Hope you’re staying cool!
You looked great in that picture, give the man a break.
Looks like fun, Kate! You always crack me up. Feel free to keep quoting 16 Candles.
You and your Siamese twin totally rocked that photo.
You crack me up!
And the kids are gorgeous.
Beautiful photos! Looks a lot like Lake Anna. Sure wish I was cooling off at a lake like you are. I'm stuck here in Stafford and the best I can do is the Potomac or Chesapeake Bay.
I actually prefer lakes to the ocean – less seaweed, less sticky, usually warmer.
I love that dresses-only girl was appropriate attired for your hike!
My Chris takes pictures like your Chris. And I haven't thought about the Donger in years. Made me laugh! I have a goofy email *funny* [speaking of unflattering pictures] that I will send to you in a momento. You and Chris are good parents!
VERY FUN and so true about our significant others picture taking! lol i have LOTS of "those" shots (though you still did look GREAT and i'm NOT just saying that ;))
and your kids are getting SO BIG!?
I quote Sixteen Candles all the time and iKeith never gets it because he's never seen the movie.
It looks like you went to the resort from Dirty Dancing!
First, we are ALWAYS still quoting from 'Sixteen Candles.' Always!
Second, I honestly don't think there are more than five photos that I'm in housed anywhere in our home. When I'm gone, my kids are going to have no way of proving to future generations I even existed.
Third, god bless ya for taking the kids to a lake. I have a phobia of even dipping a toe into someplace where I can't see the bottom and/or things live. We took the kids to a public pool last week, and honestly, even THAT came close to violating that rule!
Well, I did laugh out loud at the Siamese twin shot, but it was the description that got me, more so than the shot. Yeah, he cut you off at the knees, but he proposed the road trip, researched it, ran in to buy snacks and drove the whole way? Gift horse, Kate. Gift horse. See you next week?
Fun! :) Summer is so great, isn't it?
This looks fun. And that Siamese twin thing is hilarious!
The Donger….I love sixteen candles. It'll never get old.
The Siamese twin shot! I see what you mean. Still, he can't be good at everything, right?