Today's big event was the traditional painting of the Bear Lake shirts.

 

I had to get a picture of poor little Erik.  He was happily painting his shirt until somehow something didn't turn out like he wanted.  He had a breakdown, which resulted in his mother sending him down the deck stairs to get himself together.  I went to spy on him, and found him stewing in his juices and mumbling to himself.  I could just imagine him telling himself how bad we'd all feel if he went blind.

 After a little therapy session with his mom and grandma, Erik came to terms with his less-than-perfect shirt, and all was well.

Looking good!

Today was a big beach day.  We packed up everything but the kitchen sink and spent the day at the lake.

In the afternoon, we set off in the boat in search of good water.  At first, the water wasn't very smooth, so the kids tubed (in Dylan's case, against his will).

 But on the northeast side of the lake, we hit the jackpot.   Pepper, Makell, Brad, Jami, and even I took advantage of that rare phenomenon - glassy Bear Lake water.

 

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE boating?

PS:  This was Makell's first ever attempt at wakeboarding.  Impresseeve, no?

PPS:  You can see that Jess's broken toe didn't stop her from tubing.  Let the record show that she did so with the permission of her doctor.  He even special ordered that boot so she could tube with it.

This evening, my brothers, sisters, and parents all gathered at the family cabin to commence the fun of Larson Bear Lake.  We all bring food and treats, but this year my brother Jeff was the Hero.  Since he works for Coca-Cola, he was in charge of bringing the drinks.  And, bring them he did!

I didn't get out to snap a photo until much of it had already been unloaded.  But yes, imagine a pick-up bed full of Coke products...(sorry, my eyes rolled back in my head there for a minute)...

Clearly, our family loves their carbonated beverages.  Jeff, Jeremy, and Mike all proudly wear their beverage-of-choice like a badge of honor.

My four-wheelin' boys!

Adam and Pepper have spent hours this week getting their four-wheeling licenses.  They had to study and take a test, passing with at least 80%.  Adam got his a few days ago, and today Pepper joined him in the ranks of legal ATV drivers.  Good thing, too - just in time for Bear Lake next week!

Today I met my aunts and cousins on my Mom's side for a little get-together at the park.  So delightful!

Lagoon Day!  Seriously, one of my most favorite days every year!

  

I won't post a Before picture, since this blog is already full of those, but here is the After picture:

Jess and I after getting our hair done by an English-speaking stylist.  Finally.