The Lakehouse

This weekend we drove west into Kansas, past a couple hours' worth of these ...

... to get to this:

Aaaah... 

We've spent the past three Fourth of July holidays at this fantastic lakehouse that belongs to Arnold and Lis (Arnold is our friend Nerissa's brother). People sometimes still poke fun at us for living in Kansas, but we just smile because they obviously haven't been to this hidden gem.

Arnold and Lis are so wonderful about welcoming people to their home that they have given new meaning to "mi casa es su casa" ... without ever once actually saying it. I'm pretty sure that we're not the only ones who will immediately drop all previous weekend plans as soon as an invitation is extended to spend time at "the lakehouse".

I'm sure that at some point you've been crazy-person-tired. You know, like when you find yourself making mistakes you don't normally make, or being exceptionally short-tempered and irritable? This place turns crazy-person-tired Cookie into someone a little bit more normal. And I don't know about you, but a refreshed me means safety for those around me. Okay, I may be exaggerating. But maybe only a little bit. At any rate, Arnold and Lis probably think that they're just having people over for a couple of days, but really they are actually doing a service to the community all throughout the summer by giving so many of their friends and relatives a place to recharge, to experience a change of pace.

Starting with Arnold's Extreme Tubing, aka Scream Therapy ... practically a water sport (okay, not really). Sport or not, this the point at which crazy-person-tired goes out ... and if you're a screamer like me, it's unfortunately also when all the lake water comes in. Yeah, kinda gross, but so worth it.

That's just the beginning. There are also amazing wind-in-your-hair rides on Arnold's MotherBoat, with great opportunities to do (real) water sports for those so-inclined ... and for those not-so-inclined, there's ample time for lounging on the water or right by it, with terrific company. Outdoors or in, there's always lots of talk - about our lives, our kids, our plans. And did I mention that there's also beer on tap?

Being at the lakehouse on the Fourth means that the kids (and grown-ups too) get some legal hands-on time with fireworks. And then there is the practically-pro fireworks show put on by the lake association - forty-five minutes of the good stuff, right on the lake ... listening to the water lapping against sides of the still boat (and some choice patriotic tunes on a repeat cycle), with darkness all around, save for the little far-away lights from houses around the lake and the spectacular display directly overhead: a long, beautiful moment of calmness and peace that reminds me how much there is to be thankful for.

There's something about the lake that builds up one's appetite - and with five families there (with a special shout-out to Nerissa, who always cooks enough to sustain us all through Armageddon), there's guaranteed to be truckloads of food. Grilling is a must, especially when among us is Nerissa's hubby, Steve the Grill Master.

The lakehouse is also a place where new recipes and food ideas are exchanged constantly, and this year Kerri introduced me to a fabulous drink, the G-rated name of which is Summer Beer. It's like a grown up slushie, refreshing and not very boozy, that will make you happy and chatty in no time. I googled the recipe and found one here, but I think Kerri made hers with Sprite instead of water and regular lemonade instead of concentrate. Also, if I remember correctly, she splashed on a bit of pomegranate juice and more Sprite right before serving. Lakehouse or not, I'll be making this drink soon.

The most amazing thing is that even after spoiling us rotten at their lakehouse, when it's time for us to go, Arnold and Lis always, always, always thank us for coming - can you believe it? Really guys, it's we who can't thank you enough.