In our family, when you say, “We are not heading to the lake,” everyone knows what you mean. You don’t need to give the name. It’s been a destination for 5 generations. Our property has gone from a sleepy summer cottage to a home. We spend summer weekends swimming in the clear water, skiing and fishing. There are turtles and frogs to catch and friends to see. Some of our neighbors have been friends of Mark since elementary school. Our view across the lake is forest.

We go for late nigh boat rides to watch fireworks 4th of July fireworks launched over the lake.

Thanksgiving is spent up there. We sled, ice skate, and toboggan in the winter wonderland when...