The Gathering Place at Bear Lake (aka the house we stayed at)
This last week has been full of fun. We made our way to Garden City, UT last Sunday. At that point we knew it would be a great time, but we really had no idea how wonderful it would really be.
The beer fridge at the beginning of the adventure.
Sunday:
We arrived in Garden City, UT around 2:30pm. My parents and Jen and Dave were close behind. Just as we were getting ready to celebrate Daves birthday with steaks, Aunt Doris and Uncle Bob showed up with 3 granddaughters. It was a great evening of visiting and playing. Jason and Jake were so excited to see their cousins. The week was just beginning. Colin and Dad had to be reminded that all of the world problems didn't need to be solved in one night there were 6 more to go.
Monday:
Mom was ready to feed us all first thing in the morning. Breakfast casserole filled our bellies and it was a good thing because we had a big day ahead. This was the day we explored the lake. We drove around the whole thing. Colin thought he saw a topless lady and dad was sure that he saw a garage door on a second floor. After turning around we found that dads door was just blinds in a picture window and Colin's half nude lady was gone... no confirmation there. We figured we had better check out the golf course when we got back. Jason and Jake stayed with Grandma Denise while Jen, Dave, Dad, Colin, Lane, Chance and I went to check out the course and play 9 holes. When we got back, it was taco night and Colin and I were cooking. Homemade salsa and guacamole were on the menu. It turns out the jalapenos were much hotter than we anticipated and made for a grand adventure. Mouths were burning and a lot of liquids were consumed. There was a lot of taco meat left because the hot food seemed to make people fill up a lot faster. Another night of visiting, drinking and playing games.
Tuesday:
This was biscuits and gravy morning... Colin and I cooked again. YUMMY!!! That sums up breakfast for the week. There were a lot of leftovers. We started the day with golf (Jen, Dave, Colin, Dad and I went while mom watched the kids). When we returned to the house it was Beach DAY!!!!! We went up to the north shore where the sand is perfect and the water was calling to us. We built sand castles, played frisbee and got sand all over. After hours of playing it was time to go back to the house for naps. Uncle Mike and Sis rolled into town that night with the White Rhino in tow (That is the giant cooler that provided beer and drinks the whole trip). That evening we had bratwurst night courtesy of Jen and Dave. It ROCKED!!!! After playing in the water we were very hungry and the food was exceptional. This was another night of games, drinks and visiting. We did a lot of that on this trip. Laughter filled the house and followed us anywhere we went.
Playing at the beach.
Wednesday:
Uncle Jen and Dave were on breakfast patrol that morning. The menu was breakfast burritos... the perfect start for another busy day. We were sad to see Uncle Bob and Aunt Doris leave with the grandkids, but at least we were able to catch up. It was so nice to visit with them. The boys went fishing with Dave, Colin and Dad. Jason had a break down because Colin's beer can fell in the pond, but the fishing adventure went on and was a success. Chance caught the only fish, but when they got back to the house, the boys were all very happy. After grabbing a quick bite and having a little rest Dad, Dave, and Colin went golfing again. Just after they left, Chance locked the bathroom door and closed it.... we had to break in. Those door knobs are much higher quality than any that we have ever encountered. Jen, Mom and I tried to break while and then gave up. Uncle Mike and Sis got it... only one credit card lost it's life in that adventure. Jen, Mom and I took the boys on a bike ride. Mom rented a bike with 6 seats and we were off. mom's legs were too long to pedal, Lanes were too short, so Jen and I fueled that trip. It was so funny. Mom held Jake and helped pedal at times, but it was difficult since her legs smashed into the back of Jens seat. There was one point in time that I got out and pushed while Jennifer pedalled. You can only imagine how hard we were laughing. We were so excited to make it back to the rental place..... It was time to go back to the house and rest. Uncle Mike and Sis (mainly Sis) made an awesome spaghetti dinner. We foundered. It was another fun night.
Sis and Uncle Mike with the White Rhino
Thursday:
We began the day with eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast. It gave us just enough energy to make it to the beach. We did that a lot on the trip. We built more sand castles and the competitions began. We had races in the water Jen and I against Colin and Dave. Dad created a game we now call water soccer. It is a combination of hockey and soccer. The secret to winning is wearing water shoes. There were games of frisbee and playing in the sand. It was a blast and we didn't want to give in, but we were soooo tired. When we got to the house it was time to rest before the big event that night... The play at the pickleville playhouse. It was The Hanging of Juanito Bandito. Just before we left, Brandi Jacob, and Griffin showed up. We were also pleased that Aaron and Mogda showed up with their little girls. We had to get to the show so the visiting had to wait. The dinner was great and the show was even better. We all laughed very hard and recommend it to anyone that visits the area. After the show we tried to visit but had to give in to exhaustion.
Our group of cave explorers
Friday:
This was CAVE DAY!!! After eating leftovers for breakfast we took some time to relax and watched some man games... There were games of pool and even a push up contest. It was a crack. Uncle Mike and Dad had to take Colin and Dave on. I don't know who won but it was good to watch and laugh at. Finally it was CAVE TIME!!! I have been looking forward to this for months. It exceeded expectations and the kids loved it. There were so many stairs but Jason did it on his own. He is such a big boy. The other kids did it too. It was a very successful outing and we would love to go back. After we got home it was pizza time. Jen and Dave bought everyone pizza. These were not your normal pizza's each pizza was the equivalent of 3 large pizzas. One piece looks like a full pizza itself. It was awesome. It looked like something in a comic book. FUN FUN FUN!!!! Kevin and his wife Kim were able to make it for a while that night and it was a great time. This time it was relay races. Once again Colin and Dave against Uncle Mike and Dad. The buton was a beer. The beer was passed once and after the finish line the first to drink it all was winner. I have no idea who won, but it was entertaining. Then the foot races continued with Jennifer racing Lane and the kids just running up the hill over and over again. It was a blast. I know I have said that a lot but it was.
The four of us in the cave.
Our beach crowd
Saturday 4th of July:
Some people had an earlier morning than others. Uncle Mike and Sis brought Jen, Brandi, and Mom up to Montpelier so they could make it to a 9 mile fun walk. YES 9 MILES!!!! By mid morning they had finished and eaten breakfast so we were ready to spend the day at the beach. The weather looked bad as we left the house, but it ended up being the best day. Our beach adventure included a lot of the same with a few twists. There were a ton of people on the beach, dad estimated 6,000 on our stretch. It was a sight. One man got his car stuck while he was trying to bring his wife to the bathrooms.... note to self, don't drive a car on soft sand. The men saved the day though. Brandi's husband Jacob is the master castle builder. The kids all got in on the fun. When we got home it was time for dinner. After things began to wind down the fireworks started. People were setting them off all around the lake. It was very pretty and the deck offered a wonderful view. That is how our last night of vacation came to an end.
Getting ready to leave.
Sunday:
We all woke up and ate as many of the leftovers as possible. The main breakfast food was pizza. That is the breakfast of champions. We said our goodbyes knowing that it was time to go home, but it sure is hard to leave when you are having so much fun. On the way home we went through Jackson. What a beautiful drive. We stopped for a gourmet lunch at Wendy's and took a few pictures in front of the Teton's before making our way back to the house. The girl dogs were so happy to see us and we were equally excited to see them. It was such a perfect vacation but we are thankful to be home, sleeping in our own beds and getting back to the real world. Although, Colin did comment on how strange it is to be wearing socks and jeans instead of just shorts and sandals.
Monday:
Mom had shoulder surgery today and she is recovering. It went well and we look forward to have our golfing mom back. Also Jake had his 15th month check up today he is 21lb 15.5oz and is 31 in. He is our tall and skinny boy that is moving right along.
One last look at the beach
Have a great week everyone and I will have more to share soon...
