Miller Time at the Lake of the Ozarks

We spent a wonderful weekend with the Miller Family at the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend! We drove down Friday afternoon (about a 3 hour drive). We were excited to only have to stop ONCE on the way down for Maria to stretch her legs at a McDonald's playland. She still enjoys watching the other kids more than actually playing. Her new thing is to wave - at everyone...all the time! She's been waving for a while, but now she waves to everyone wherever we go. It's so endearing - people can't help but smile at this innocent little stranger who is smiling and waving at them for no apparent reason. She was really good in the car, we just couldn't believe it!

The Millers - Mike & Carolyn, and their awesome kids, Kathleen (15), Elizabeth (AKA "E" in 4th grade) and James (3rd grade) - were ready and waiting for us when we arrived. Maria befriended Kathleen in a heartbeat - holding out her arms and snuggling on her shoulder after only a few minutes. It's amazing how kids can sense who is nurturing and welcoming in their environment! Carolyn made a wonderful meal for us - sausage, peppers, and onions - Charles's favorite! (Did I mention Carolyn is Italian?) We played Rummikub and sipped some vino on the patio overlooking the lake. Wow, we really needed to get away! And this was the perfect way to unwind.

On Saturday, the 'girls' headed out to the outlet mall while the boys hit the wave-runners on the lake and had 'guy-time'. When the girls were shopped-out, we headed back home and down to the dock (minus Maria, who napped with Daddy). We layed in the sun and chatted away - did I mention that the weather was PERFECT? About 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Kathleen and I decided to hit the wave-runners for a while. It's been years since I've been on a wave-runner and I was a little hesitant at first, but it was a blast! I felt like I was in college again, zipping around without a care in the world. I thought I was so cool getting that baby up to 40MPH! (Yes, I know this is relatively slow in young-people terms!) Then Charles fired up the BBQ and made steaks, beer-can chicken, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes. (Another reason I married him - he's a GREAT cook!) It was a perfect way to end the perfect day with great friends.

But today (Sunday) I'm feeling my age... both Charles and I are hobbling around and moaning, as we used some muscles on the wave-runners that we hadn't used in quite a while. We just laugh at eachother looking like fools, groaning as we simply walk around... Ouch! It's a pretty funny sight, watching us walk up the stairs and squat to pick up Maria. She mimicks us as we groan - she's just so funny now! Gotta love that little sweetie.

We headed back late this morning, and after an unventful ride home, we had "Saso Family Nap Time"! It was such a nice, quiet, relaxing weekend. We ALL needed it! Back to reality tomorrow! Blahhhhhh....
(photos of the fun to come...)