4th of July Week at the Lake

One of my favorite Summer past times is going to Lake Summit.  To me, it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  My grandparents use to own a house there and my mom grew up going to the lake.  Every year she is nice enough to rent a house for us so we can experience the joy she had as a child.  Usually, we go on an off week but this year we went for 4th of July.  Josh's brother, Nick, and his family endured a drive all the way from PA to stay with us.  The cousins had a blast playing together and it was great to catch up with Nick and Carolyn.  My folks, Aunt Duffy and Uncle Doug also came down to the lake for a few days.  It was a wonderful, relaxing vacation.

Like any good Dad, Josh gave the boys some safety instructions before lighting fireworks.

Myles was very cautious with the sparklers as last year was a bit of a disaster.

Nicholas watched as Josh set off the fireworks

 Myles didn't like the noise.  "It's bad for my ears", he yelled.

Connor and Carolyn testing out the water.

 Grady wasn't afraid to jump right in

Fourth of July wouldn't be complete without fried chicken.  Usually, Myles won't touch meat but he loved his first taste of this Southern delicacy.

We went on quite a few canoe rides. 

When you get a bunch of boys together, wrestling is bound to ensue.

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 Cousins

 We took a trip to Hendersonville

Hanging on the porch swing.  I got some good reading in while sitting in this comfy seat.  It is my favorite place in the house.

Mimi giving Grady some swim lessons.

 A view from the dock

 We took the boys to Pisgah National Forest to visit their fish hatchery. Here they are feeding the trout.

 A walk in the woods

 The Scala Boys

Grady and Nicholas had a blast jumping from the dock and doing tricks.  They were wild men and I couldn't stop laughing when I caught their moves on camera,.

 Nicholas's great leap into the water.

Grady looks like he is on a flying carpet.  I love this picture!

 Josh and Myles

 Myles makes the best faces