Family Lake Weekend

The week after the 4th of July we met up with my parents and Sugar, Stewart and Cormac at the lake for some fun family time. Stewart's parents have the most perfect lakehouse in Hot Springs -- actually a house, bunkhouse and guesthouse on the property. It was fantastic because we all were able to have our own little space at night but we were all still right there together. 

We got there late at night but Matt & Harrison were up early the next morning to fish. The caught a few little fish, but even without making a big catch, it was so nice to just enjoy the view. 

We took their boat out for a ride while we were there and had lunch on the lake! The kids loved the boat! We didn't swim, but just enjoyed boating around and seeing different areas. We actually boated to the dam for lunch. The water there was freezing. Seriously way to cold to swim! I stuck my foot in the water for just a few seconds and had to pull it out because it was so cold -- crazy! But, it made the perfect spot to have lunch because it was so nice and cool on top of the water.

(One of the best parts was loving on this little guy....and I'm pretty sure he adores his cousins too!)

We had some free time one afternoon and took the kids to Mid America Museum for a few hours. It was like stepping back in time. Ha! I remember going there as a kid for field trips and I can say with much certainty that it hasn't changed that much. :) But they had a blast! It wasn't crowded and we were able to explore and spread out and still keep tabs on the kiddos. 

These Kiva blocks were a big hit and they actually got to use them again at Camp Invention the next week. Fun!

We explored Hot Springs while we were there. Harrison was curious if there was a real "hot spring" and we found the famous one and he got to feel it and see just how hot it really is!

Of course no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a trip to the Pancake House. I remember going there as a kid and it's still the same. And, the food is still soooo good! These 3 downed some pancakes that mornings (as well as the best sausage ever).

This was our view from the porch each day. The house is on a little peninsula and there is water on all 3 sides -- and the kids and Matt fished it from every angle. :) But, I was pretty happy to just sit and enjoy the view....and the entertainment from Cormac. :)