A couple of weeks ago we headed to the cottage with two other families. \u00a0We had never done that before – an extended getaway with other kids and other parents in a small space. \u00a0I was sure we’d have a good time, positive, in fact, but this little getaway was truly unforgettable. \u00a0I was surrounded by people I’ve known since I was a teenager and our kids, spread out between the ages of almost 11 and 2, got along like PB and J. \u00a0There wasn’t one fight, one squabble or any tears from all 6 kiddos in 3 nights and 4 days.<\/p>\n
Also, water trampolines are awesome, for kids of all ages, right Marty and Chris?<\/p>\n
The craziest part, for me, was my absolute fearlessness. \u00a0For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fairly extreme fear of swimming in lakes or any open water. \u00a0It’s not something specific I was afraid of, but I was certainly afraid. \u00a0I missed out on outing after outing, spontaneous or not, all because I didn’t like being in the water.<\/p>\n
Early on at this cottage, I threw caution to the wind. \u00a0Part of it was not wanting to let my kids see me being afraid of something I couldn’t explain now that they are old enough to notice whether or not I take part, but also, watching everyone in the water, seemingly careless, made me want to be part of it. \u00a0Part of the memory. \u00a0Part of the fun.<\/p>\n
So I went in. \u00a0And after a few minutes of inner panic, it just kind of melted away. \u00a0And after 3 hours on and off the water trampoline on the Saturday, the thing I was most afraid of was losing my suit during the canonball competition. \u00a0Is this seriously what I’ve been missing all along. \u00a0What a waste.<\/p>\n
Our time at the cottage reinvigorated me. \u00a0Coffee on the dock in the morning and late nights around the fire with friends was just what I needed to get me out of my slump. \u00a0I’m so thankful we all bit the bullet and made our way out to the lake.<\/p>\n
In pictures:<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/forgetful.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/DSC_1668sm.jpg\" "\\"DSC_1668sm\\"")
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