This is the beach, below.  If the scenery looks familiar, it is because we always go to the same spot! Pretty desolate on a Wednesday afternoon after Labor Day (school has started, yay!) in 115 degrees! This photo is taken from the far end of the cove, which is our spot.  My girls love to go to "the island", which is about 40 yards from the shore, but that means a long walk!  As you can (barely) see, there is no nice grassy place to lay your towel here, like there might be at a midwest lake.  But there is also no mud, no leaches, no mosquitoes, and no green scum on the water. It is sooooo clear!  

This is looking the other way, from our spot:

The swimmers of varying abilities have made it to the island, where there is a nice spot for diving in. Until I was able to see if for myself, I was afraid someone would hit the bottom head-first and end up a quadraplegic.   It must be the ex-lifeguard in me.

Doting daughters:

Relaxing:

The unhappy non-swimmer was given the important job of lifeguard, and from that point on she was content to supervise:

I also tried my hand at some wildlife photography.  I NEVER have my Audubon book along when I need it, so I can't tell you what species this dragonfly is:

I also photographed the red ants that were swarming all over our stuff and our spot, but with my skill they are too small to make a good photo! They were nice enough not to feel the need to crawl over our feet.  Ants really are fascinating to watch.  I dumped our granola bar crumbs too close to our towels and stuff, and Emily and I watched the ants help each other to carry the proportionately HUGE oat pieces to where ever they were trying to take them.  You could almost hear them talking to each other. "Hey you guys, come over here and help me with this!"  And, "Oh, you look like you could use another set of arms (legs) to get that load home.  Here, let me help you."  Great lessons for a three-year-old and a self-centered Mommy.

 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:2-4