Activities are still great and varied for kids and adults. The karaoke contestants were brutal--a winner was difficult to determine. Our son was pretty disappointed with the kids pool 8-ball tournament--he had a five ball lead and then scratched the 8-ball. Bummer...

One new activity this year at Lagonita is parasailing, which is offered on Mondays for $35/person, which is $10/person less than if you go directly to the marina that the parasailing company runs out of. It's also a lot cheaper that anything we've ever seen in Hawaii. My wife did it and had a blast (I would've done it, too, but someone had to be the photographer, plus I was chicken). You don't even get wet except when they go just slow enough for you to dip your toes in the water. You ascend right off the boat and then get reeled in right back on to the boat. Each person got a good five minute ride and went way up there!

One other new thing was the ominous signs displayed everywhere warning you how you are being exposed to cancer causing materials (see photo). Apparently these signs are now required by California law. Once it was explained that the potential chemicals of death were fireplace exhaust and smoke from barbecues, we felt a little better. It was a little disconcerting to see the sign right outside our door. "Welcome to Lagonita--hope you don't get cancer!"

We also experienced rain for the first time. There were threats of thunderstorms on three different afternoons but only once did it actually rain and did it ever! It poured buckets (about an inch and a half) in an hour but then that was it.

The resort is very compact with parking being a real problem. You usually can find a place, just not always close to your unit.

The one bedroom unit we had was adequate, but nothing to write home about. There was a small living room with angled stone fireplace. The sofa made into a bed to accommodate the third and fourth persons. A bar with stools separated the living room from the kitchen. The kitchen was adequate but basic. The one bedroom was small with clean but basic furnishings. The decorating seemed a bit dated but all were clean. The square footage was on the small size, seeming like an older styled timeshare condo, unlike many of the newer large units for families.

The best part was this particular units location with its balcony with two chairs overlooking, almost on, the small volleyball court. We could sit there and be part of the play and conversation at the court with our children. The lake was unobstructed from our balcony. It was great.

Having a smaller unit might have been more bothersome if we'd had one of the units not facing the lake, but with this view and openness, we had no complaints.

The staff seemed very friendly and willing to please. Being the Fourth of July holiday, the resort through a larger picnic with BBQ foods and old-fashioned games, music, and dancing before the fireworks started. It was very small town, and a lot of fun.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

I especially enjoyed walk by the lake, or sitting on my balcony watching the sun rise and set.