Lake Mitchell - Cadillac 2011

Our annual Lake Mitchell get-together with the loud, big, crazy side of the family was last week. 

I might post more pictures if I ever get them all from my brothers and sisters. There are also more pictures on facebook if you are really into looking at photos of all us in swimsuits and other slobby vacation wear.

Missing 2 of the grandkids (Lydia and baby Makayla)...and very soon there will be 15 total!

Lots of fishing for Dawson again this year. 

Pretty much all fishing, and a little baseball here and there (in between sleeping & meals.) 

He was pretty proud of his catches this year...included in the mix of sunfish and bluegills caught from the dock - were a Large Mouth Bass and pretty big Pike (while fishing with Uncle Chuck, on his boat).

There were fires everyday, thanks to David's fire building skills.

and....some bird roasting.

Lots of boating, on many types of boats.

Seven kids piled on this pattleboat and got stuck way far out away from shore. 

They had to swim it back, before they sank. 

Jamie had quite a story to tell us when they got back.

David & Taylor sailing, and Chuck/Julie/Sarah.

Dawson attempted to ski again this year (maybe not on his own will...but he tried at least).  He couldn't quite get up, so David took him around instead.

Jamie is getting more brave every year behind the boat.  She was even going no-hands for part of the time.  Maybe next year we will convince her to ski or kneeboard.

Taylor doing what 16 year olds do, and David taking his annual lap around the bay.

Lydia, Joel, Emily and brand new baby Makayla visited for a day.

Makayla

Hoping he will be this eager and helpful come November.

Topper came with us this year too.  He did what he does best...sit around. 

Not sure how no one got hurt with all the firey sticks in the hands of minors.

Besides all the fun shown above, most of us (who weren't busy building fires all day, or fishing, or boating) did a lot of reading.

Now, back to reality.

School starts in just a couple weeks!