Afterglow 2009 - Day 5 Wednesday

Afterglow Lake is usually cold, which is to be expected for being this far North. But this year it was especially cold, and on this evening, it was especially cold. After we went in the lake, we were really looking forward to going in the hot tub, but entered to find it occupied with family members. And we were denied entrance.

I wasn't the only protesting picture time. Tim refused to show his good side (but if you talk to the ladies this is his good side) in his attempt to stall or ruin this family moment. But like his big brother did a moment ago, he surrendered as well, and let Mom have her way. I guess that's the least we can do to make her week nice.

Home

It's very hard to get us all to look nice for a picture at the same time. That's usually because Tim or I intentionally or unintentionally do something that ends up ruining the picture. Or at least that's what Mom thinks. We think that we make the picture better by making a silly face or raising our fists and Starting the Revolution. To each their own I guess. We took enough pictures to fill a small scrapbook, but upon further review, there was not a single one that my Mom felt was frame worthy. So we either succeeded or failed, depending on who you ask.

Tim and I are as close as two brothers can possibly be, even to the point that we currently live together. Even though we are still young adults, we've been through a lifetime's worth of adventures so far. Between the ups and downs, we've made it across the country several times, and when are in pictures, we do the Bill + Ted pose. Following Abe Lincoln's advice, we are always excellent to each other, and we party on dudes.

James and Melissa pose lovingly for a fantastic picture that is sure to be a keepsake in their collection of photos together. And if it's not, I will make sure that it is. After all, what better place is there to celebrate your love than at Afterglow? Tim had enough of family picture time, so he grabbed his computer, went to the lodge, called the dog over and hopped on the internet. And for the next few minutes he didn't feel like he was in the Northwoods, he felt like he was hooked up to the world. And he was. 

But he did pep up for this picture with his Mommy. Tim has always been and will always be a Momma's boy. There's nothing wrong with it though, unless you're his other siblings. As the baby, Mom always liked him best. After he was born, we all got shortchanged.

I am normally hooked up to the internet as much as Keanu Reeves is hooked up to the Matrix before he takes the red pill. But not so much at Afterglow. I check email and follow Brewers news, but I'd much rather be swimming with Brian and Kevin, which is exactly what I was about to do right after we posed for this picture.

James and Melissa would be leaving tomorrow morning, so Mom told us that we were going to do our annual family picture tonight. Showing off my grown-up side, I pouted like a 4 year old, then went into a temper tantrum. When that tirade didn't get me my way, I finally capitulated to my Mom and reported to the pier.

Tim really doesn't like taking pictures. I haven't seen him look so sad since he first found out that there was no Santa Claus. For a second stare into his eyes and you will see and feel his pain. This picture makes me want to reach out and give this kid a hug.