Dan returned from sales meetings in Nashville, and is glad to have a few days in a row at home before he hits the road again. Both things are good - going out there and doing your job and then returning home. He heard a speaker talk about leading a "can't wait" life. As in, "I can't wait to go to work, and I can't wait to come home." Good food for thought for a guy whose job requires him to be away from home weekly.
Erin, Sunny and I made one more trip up north - this time to the Wisconsin cabin with the Harkins family: Grandma, Grandpa, Eric, Jen, Laurynn, and Jack. It was fun to have a few days with my family to catch up on life.
Erin enjoyed some cousin time - swimming, playing cards, staying up late, and, trying to get Laurynn and Jack to see the light and realize that the boy band One Direction is where it's at. Erin attempted to brainwash her cousins by constantly playing the music of "One D" and by showing Laurynn and Jack videos on You Tube to prove how cute and talented Harry, Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis are...if you don't have an adolescent daughter, well, you'll have to check it out for yourself.
The cousins also spent time planning and competing in the Lake-A-Thon.
The Lake-A-Thon was created by the cousins several years ago, and Shannon was always the ring leader, deciding on the events and providing the awards. Each cousin makes their own sign to identify their country, and they carry them in an opening and closing ceremony, Olympic style.
The events are things like an obstacle course, a timed foot race, or a best jump off the dock contest. In past years, the awards consisted of the finest medals Shannon could buy at the dollar store in Hayward. Shannon always took care to make sure the youngest (cousin Jack) achieved athletic success. It's a dear memory for all of us, and especially for Grandma who loves nothing more than seeing all her grandkids playing and laughing together.
So, after skipping 2011, the Lake-A-Thon returned. I'm proud to say, Laurynn and Erin picked right up where Shannon left off. There were running events and swimming events and awards. (By the way, Jack doesn't need anyone to let him win as he's now the fastest runner in the bunch!)
Good fun, with a hint of sadness and loss. Pretty standard emotions for this family these days. Another familiar place and event that's now different. That doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable. It was. It's just... different...
