A Day at the Lake

We are so lucky to live just minutes away from such a gorgeous lake. We had some good friends that moved away this summer, so we went up earlier this month to spend an hour or two together before they left.  The kids had so much fun splashing around and getting wet.  We've been blessed with warm enough weather that this cool, mountain-run-off lake water actually feels refreshing (and not just excruciatingly cold). Addison was not so fond of the rocky beach, but things brightened up when the picnic lunch was pulled out! It was a fun-filled morning, followed by a well deserved afternoon nap.

 

Those mean rocks on my feet!

 

Trying to get a cute "Kid Picture"...

 

And the photo op was over at this point...

Camping in Style

This summer we went on a super fun "camping" trip with our good friends! We had such an awesome time. The kids were so excited, even though they couldn't figure out why we weren't bringing out tent.  We stayed in this nice, old cottage in a campground.  I have to admit, I felt a little spoiled that we had a shower, bathroom, and even kitchen appliances - since all the other people in the park were using Biffys. But, with 2 young babies in tow, we figured this year should be a little easier. :)

 

The park we stayed at was beautiful.  It was on the water with trails and even a playground. We roasted s'mores, splashed in the water, played games, and even got a little sunburn.  We stayed up late and brought way, way too much food. And, surprisingly in this area, it was so hot outside that our biggest problem was keeping our cottage cool enough! We had a blast and took lots of pictures to remember it.

Our "little" cottage

 

Avery "surfin'"

Avery and Cassidy playing in the rocky sand

Owen and Jason eating lunch at the beach

Avery and Myles spent hours playing on this huge piece of driftwood.

Owen roasting his s'more

All the kids and men out for a hike... I find this picture hilarious!

Playing a little Frisbee

 

Addie relaxing on the driftwood

 

I love spending time with Darci!

Little Si

At the beginning of the summer, we sat down with the kids and made a list of all the things that we wanted to do before Fall came.  A few of the fun activities included going to see the trains in town, visiting the local candy shop, sleeping in the tent, flying a kite, and going for a few hikes.  Avery had wanted to hike Little Si all summer. So, on a Monday night near the end of summer, we headed up the mountain.  Of course, by the time Jason got home from work and we actually got to the trail head, it was already getting late.  We hiked for about an hour and realized that it was getting quite dark.  Avery desperately wanted to keep going, but we finally chickened out.  Hiking down the mountain with 3 little kids in the pitch black did not sound like fun, not to mention slightly dangerous. We sat down for a few minutes to eat our sack dinner, but the mosquitoes were so thick that didn't last long either.  We made it back to our car...it was very dark.  Maybe we will try it again next summer (on a Saturday)!  The kids were great little hikers.