Kicking Off Eight Point '21

Welcome back, folks.

This random lady was just hanging on on the dock for hours.

Well, it's Memorial Day Weekend and, consequently, we're kicking off Eight Point Lake Season (yes, we're aware that our family owns this property year-round, buuuuuut without things like pontoon boats and what-not, the cottage is just a house.)  Initially, we had planned on spending the entirety of the weekend on the lake, but the weather (like last year) wasn't very agreeable:  we only hit highs in the mid-60s on Sunday, with Friday and Saturday being even chillier than that.  Since we didn't want to sit around indoors up there with two bored kids and two pent-up dogs, we decided to just make a day trip out of the whole affair on Sunday, before turning around in order to hit up the annual Collier Party later that evening back in Midland.

Taking Abby out for a spin around the lake on the golf kart.

The girls decided to break this Mancala game (which, I believe, used to belong to Granny Hough) out while we were sitting around hanging out.

At first, they were playing together rather nicely.  But, then it descended into the usual. . .

I hate kids.

Abby the Rage Monster.  She definitely inherited the legendary Hough Temper.

Not that the Cannonball is innocent by any means.  She knows exactly what she's doing.

Alayna walks Nana through the ins and outs of Pinterest.

Kris decided she'd get bronzed sunburnt while she was up on the lake today.

Abby once again dons the wet suit (which is starting to shrink up the legs, compared to the previous year - these girls are growing fast.)

She was the only one crazy enough to get in the lake today.  The rest of us said 'screw it.'

After soaking in some chilly sun for a bit, and following a solid dinner, it was time to take the pontoon around the lake (our personal favorite thing to do up here at the Cottage.)

Preparing to exit the hangar. . .

The Cannonball no longer appreciates her parents taking pictures of her.  Teenagers are assholes.

Had to take a pic to send to the crew when they asked what I was up to.

The girls enjoy taking turns driving the boat.  They ask every, single time.

Good thing this thing is putting along at, like, 10 mph.

Dogs in life vests.  Safety first, folks.

Pensive.

Quiet day here on the lake.  Probably on account of, you know, the low-60s weather.

The Cannonball's turn. . .

Back at the Cottage, awaiting cake and ice cream and passing some time with this game once again.

Cake time.  Teenager is thrilled to be the center of attention.

Dad and Cindy did a combo thing for the girls' birthdays this year.  Way easier for all parties involved, honestly.

Making wishes (or not, who knows if they do that anymore.)

Time for sugar.

Abby eats her cake away from the crowd - she enjoys moments of peace and quiet much more than anyone else in this family.  Shortly after finishing off cake and ice cream, we loaded the fam back up in the van and headed back to Midland, around 5pm-ish, in order to hit the Collier's party up when food was served.  We plan on returning to the lake in June for Father's Day weekend (like we did last year) for a longer - and hopefully warmer - stay.  More to come regarding that later.

- Brian