June 2013, Part II, The Cottage in June

June 15th, I admit that it is a little hard to look at this shot, given the winter that we’re currently having… it has been a long and pretty difficult one for Michigan. This is actually a crop from a full panoramic shot that I made with my iPhone. I should figure out a way to have it pan-able. You know, when I have time. See this image larger.

*Ian, look, I’m taller than you now!* See this image larger.

*Nuh-uh!* See this image larger.

Nina stirs the pancake batter… thanks for letting Nina help, Grandma Marcia! 🙂 See this image larger.

The bunny finger salute, a tradition of many families, but one that I’ll always think of as a Chapman tradition. See this image larger.

Nina attempts to do a similar set of bunny ears on Ian with success! See this image larger.

Elmo gets a hug while Ian considers peeing with door wide open, as if he were raised in a barn. See this image larger.

Photographer Ian Chapman observes the den’s inhabitants in action. Here, the elusive and colorful Grandma Marcia is seen hunting down a side of bacon for the rest of the pack. See this image larger.

A wild Nina appears! Only Ian’s skilled eye and super high-speed camera were able to capture her briefly before she sprang away out of view after a gazelle or pillow. See this image larger.

Grampa Dave, the alpha male, sits high upon a golden hilltop surveying the surrounding lands and his digital camera. See this image larger.

Daddy, in his usual sloth-like state, is prodded into action by his young cub. Ian’s camera captures the moment as Daddy wisely considers his options. See this image larger.

With his experience and patience, Ian’s camera is at the ready just in time for a commonly heard but rarely photographed event: a wild rumpus begins! Daddy has determined that all his cubs may play outside of the den, in the sun! Then he wanted his camera back. See this image larger.

Ian ran all the way to the next cottage and back, in an attempt to burn up his limitless energy! See this image larger.

Hey, Cutie! See this image larger.

My favorite girl! See this image larger.

You’ve heard of Edvard Munch’s The Scream… This should be called “The Scheme.” See this image larger.

It should be pointed out that Melissa literally has a bucketful of clout. See this image larger.

LOOKITLOOKIT! See this image larger.

A brief rest. See this image larger.

What a little face! Nina springs away from the sprinklers that Grampa Dave got out for the kids to play with! See this image larger.

Looks like somebody got a little soaked! See this image larger.

“Thanks, Grampa Dave!” See this image larger.

Grampa Dave fashions a little dress out of a towel, as Nina giggles. See this image larger.

Towel is staying up, nice job! See this image larger.

Nina needed help next with a band-aid… thanks Gramma Marcia! Hey these Grandparent-folk are pretty handy, huh? See this image larger.

Ian waters the plants, thankfully using a bottle. See this image larger.

Smiles during story time, and starting to wind down. See this image larger.

June 16th, early afternoon boat rides are very popular with the little ones. See this image larger.

There’s those bunny ears again! See this image larger.

Your crew today will be Captain Dave Chapman at the helm and Cadet Ian Chapman as boat jester. See this image larger.

The girls grab a little light near the bow. See this image larger.

Life jackets on for safety! Don’t let that cute face fool you, she’s coming up with mischief. See this image larger.

A little chat with Mommy while we cruise the canals. See this image larger.

I like that windblown look on you, kiddo! See this image larger.

Ok this one is definitely aiming to misbehave. That or he’s feelin’ the NEED… See this image larger.

…FOR… See this image larger.

…SPEED! See this image larger.

I love these ladies. Great shot… want to give them both a hug! See this image larger.

Must almost be time to go home… we had a great time, thank you Grampa Dave and Grandma Marcia for having us over again! See this image larger.

Almost forgot! A special shot to celebrate Father’s Day… a very warm, happy memory for me. 🙂 This was also a great weekend to spend a little time with my father. We did some maintenance on the boat and got it in the water. 🙂 General update I may have neglected to mention because the timeline covered here is actually almost a year ago from when this was typed up: Grampa Dave survived a pretty horrible motorcycle accident but healed up well and is doing pretty great, to this day. Gramma Marcia got attacked by a pothole during a charity run and wound up in a cast, which is why you see her as such in the picture Ian took. See this image larger.