Ahhhhhh...

Left shortly after a quick lunch of cheese ravioli. Had a nice nap on the way up and a nice chat with the Lieutenant and Dad2. Threw some washers and got beat by the boys, despite my ringer. Ate fish as is tradition and had some tasty ice-cold beverages. Went home and had a few more while doing nothing more than swapping stories and enjoying everyones company. Woke to sunlight in my face, birds singing and the Lieutenant, still wrapped around me. French toast and bacon filled our stomachs and we pointed the truck in the direction of adventure. The canoes slipped into the crystal clear water with the smell of fresh mountain air and sunscreen floating around us. Balancing the short canoe was tricky but we easily found a rhythm that was tapped out with the slap-swish of the oars. Laughter and sunshine surrounded us. We did our best, but were outsmarted by the fish that lived below. We sought out lunch and dined on organic vittles all while debating. Browsing quaint downtown we slumbered along. Playing in the cool, crisp water we build a waterfall out of rocks and happiness. Chase the fish and try to coax him out of hiding, he refused. Up the mountain to gather the rocks and inspect the long-forgotten cabin. Short ride down, lifting flat stones carved out by the rain. Muscles flexed and grunts escaped, all rocks were left in the safety of the wagon. Assembly line formed, we placed the rocks in a puzzle pattern, covering the mud. Snacking on vine-ripened berries, staining my hands as I pick them. Off to explore the dirt gravel roads and winding creeks. My arms wrapped around him, my eyes digesting the scenery. Spotted cows, lazy water, tiny cabins dotting the horizon. Giggling like a school girl, I urge him faster and whisper my love in his ear. My heart is full, my smile never ending, the weight gone, if even for a moment. He poked the fire, breathing life and warmth into the yard. Cold drinks, warm laughter and love grows faster than the wildflowers just outside the circle of chairs. The grill puffs and lets lose delicious smells making our stomachs growl in anticipation. We eat. Then we eat some more. Trying not to lose our mouthful as the laughs escape us. Showering clean and sitting beside the crackling dance of fire in our pjs. Our fire has become the center to the outdoor amphitheatre. Borat dances and annoys but we still laugh. Dad2's laugh is infectious creeping into your soul, making everything so insignificant. She keeps us fed and the drinks full. Her love never ends, even for us, who are not her children. I close my eyes and wish for nothing other than this. We retire to the cabin, but do not go to bed. There is more laughing to do. There are dolls in our bed. Scary dolls are replaced with a dancing rat with a springy tail. She is clever, but I catch on. Dad2 entertains with his never ending humor. We all laugh until our faces and bellies hurt. It is a hurt none of us mind. We head to bed, but sleep does not come. The singing from below us makes us giggle like children. All of the laughter pushes out the walls of the cabin, you swear you can hear it sighing with contentment. This is why it is here. Our mouths savor the breakfast fit for an army. Tinkering and stalling are what we do best. This is the worst part of coming. Our departure threatens to make us somber but we still smile and focus on the next visit.