Georgia On My Mind (Part 1)

We recently returned from our family vacation at Lake Burton, in Georgia.
What a trip!  It was amazing, simply amazing.  

In keeping with other trips and events that I am unable to sum up in words, 

I will share, once again, my TOP 10...this time relying mostly on pictures (a lot of them!) to tell the story.

Here is # 1 through #5 for FAMILY VACATION 2011

#1 - THE HOUSE.  It was unbelievable.  The perfect space for all of us to relax and rest and play.  If you haven't heard of Vacation Rentals By Owner you should definitely check it out!

Thank you to Dad & Mom/Papa & MorMor/Grandpa & Grandma/Jim & Cindy..whatever your names are,

who had the vision and generosity to rent the house...

 ...for these 13 grateful people.

#2 - THE FAMILY TIME.  That is what this trip was all about, and we enjoyed every minute of it.

Craft time with Grandma.

Meal times on the deck.

Morning yoga.  Even Abby got in on the action.

The kids at their favorite meal spot.

Grandpa and Abby.

#3 THE WATER.  I married into a family of ocean lovers, but I was born into a family of lake lovers.  I grew up vacationing at lakes in Wisconsin, so this lake house vacation just felt natural (although it was a definite upgrade from where we used to stay growing up). Most of our days were spent in the water.

Lots of our water time was relaxing.

Where you headed Jackson?

But plenty of the water time was exciting too.

The amazing diving sisters.

#4 THE BOATS.  The house came with a pontoon that we used every day.  We also rented a speed boat for one day.  Boats are really fun.

#5 THE ADRENALINE.  Well, my little family's need for adrenaline was certainly met last week.  And that is saying a lot for my husband.  Chris got injured and was sore...which means he had a lot of fun.

Abby loved every second on the tube.

Jumping from the top deck of the boat house wasn't enough for Chris.  

No, no. 

He had to run, dive over the railing, and do a front flip on his way down.
He's nuts.

Sam and Quinten holding on for dear life.

It had been 10 years since I water skied.  10 YEARS.

I was VERY rusty, but I loved every second.

No one had seen someone on a wake board purposely hang out on the lip of the wake before.

Hey, he surfs, that is where he is comfortable.

Next post will be #6-10.  Results of The Family Cup will be included.  Can you stand the suspense?