Our annual lake trip with the Gates is one thing I look forward to during the summer. We've timed it each year to where it's near the end of summer as our last hoorah before school starts. Each year, we stay in a different style of house within a different area of the lake. It's fun to experience new locations and this one was by far my favorite area.
The house was located on a long peninsula looking into a protected little area of water. It was within a no wake zone so the boat traffic was very minimal. It was perfect for the kids. The house had an awesome floating dock about 30ft from the house and offered access to a few boats and floats. All of us were pumped!
Check in wasn't until 4pm, but Stephen had a job in the area, so we left early. Once we got to the house, we had about 20 minutes to wait before it would be ready. So, we found a shady spot and chilled. Soon after, we were greeted by a deer! It just walked up to the car like it was nothing. We fed it apples and tried to get it to come as close as possible, but it got a little nervous with the kids.
Once we got loaded into the house, it was straight to the water. We were worried about zebra muscles but this area seemed to be pretty clear. Win!
Miles was trying to get the hang of these boats and floated a little further than he wanted. Erin and Halle to the rescue!
It didn't take long - they caught a fish! These little guys were everywhere by the dock so fish catching came pretty easy.
Todd hopped in the water and soon after, all the kids attached to his boat. Gladys the unicorn included. It was hilarious to watch because Todd's arms were going, but the train wasn't movin
It seems the wildlife has been trained to like people. First deer. Then ducks...
....AND turtles!
Search for Star the turtle. Or at least that's what the boys named him
He was huge. Probably the size of a dinner plate.
This area was so awesome. The kids could go out pretty far, but since there were very few boats, it was pretty safe. You can see them way small about to go under the bridge.
Enjoying the morning
On Saturday we opted to rent a boat. We'd never done the boating experience at the lake before, so we were excited to see what the kids thought. The guys left early that morning to pickup a pontoon boat.
"Oh my Goodness!!" - Carson (love)
Huddle up! This is how we got them all in one spot so we could get the boat closer after they swam
The first testers of the tube. Best of luck ladies!
They did awesome!!
Me and Miles - I didn't last anywhere near as long as the girls. My old self couldn't hang. Miles loved every minute though!
Carson wasn't interested in tubing earlier in the morning. But after watching a few people, and getting in a little cat nap (below), he was ready. We went super slow because I had little grip since I was holding him with one arm and the handle with the other. He didn't care. He loved it all. So proud of him trying something new :)
Super fun and relaxing trip. Can't wait for next year!
I didn't really take many pictures over the summer because we were either in the pool or inside. 110 degree leaves much to be desired!
But, enjoy a random slew of photos from the past few months.
Miles with his PreK teachers
Miles: End of PreK Carson: End of 2s Class
We went to Arkansas Bend park for our first trip in our RV back in June. It was hot, but it was such a fun trip. We did, however, have to do a lot of prep to the camper prior to the trip. Carson's face in the pic below is pretty much the kids' thoughts regarding the matter. "We're going to the shop AGAIN?!"
On the way home from Arkansas Bend. Pretty sure they had fun :)
Carson working on his car.
Our new addition to the backyard!
We did our first series of swimming classes this summer. I opted for a full week of intensive training near the end of June. I figured that would give them a good beginning foundation for the rest of the summer. Miles LOVED it. Carson.... not so much. This photo is him IN the water sobbing. Being IN was a victory in and of itself. Poor thing.
Miles during one of his classes
So crazy though because not but a week after swim class, Carson was in our pool and up and started swimming. Crazzyyy!
Michael was randomly in town and the kids loved it!
All the Feekins in town
Did a closet clean out and found this keeper. Any guesses on who this might be?
