Mini lake trip

Last September we spent a week at the lake. It was glorious, and we've been anxious to go back ever since. We finally got our chance, thanks to a last-minute weekend trip with the Andersen's! While our time was short, we managed to cram in plenty of fun.

Hope and Grant really enjoyed having two of their favorite playmates around all the time. And it was sweet to hear them say goodnight to each other both nights and to watch Hope run up the stairs to give Ladan a 'good morning hug' both mornings. Everett got a little fed up with Grant's crazy loud aggressive nature from time to time, but all in all, I think the kids did a great job!


To his credit, Grant managed to sleep in a big bed decently successfully for the first time. We did have to cuddle him all the way to sleep before laying him down though, since otherwise he'd just get himself up and join us upstairs. Mr. Independent when HE wants to be!


We did a little hiking, some rock-skimming, and general exploring on our full day there. With the four little ones, the pace was pretty slow and meandering, but it gave us plenty of time to talk and visit. This is Hope's "Queen of the Forest" pose :)




Christie wins a prize for successfully capturing a decent family picture for us!

  

During Grant's and Ev's nap that day, I came upstairs to discover the Daddies playing Candy Land with the big two. Doesn't that just melt your heart? I took the rare opportunity to find some solitude on the deck, with my Bible and a cup of coffee, looking over the trees to the lake below. It was wonderful!






We managed to squeeze in a stop at the ski resort before heading back home. They have a few things to do during the off season, to include this mountain coaster. I can't really believe that they allow 4-year-olds to ride, but since Hope and Ladan met the size requirements, they gave it a try. Twice!

Hope says it made her tummy feel weird, but she always adds triumphantly "but I didn't throw up!" Sounds like that was an accomplishment, since Daddy let the thing go as fast as possible the whole way down the mountain! Apparently Ladan giggled the whole way :)


As much as we enjoyed the kids during the day, it was really fun to have some time as couples after they went to bed. Wine and games and lounging around - it solidified our feeling that the Andersen's are family! That, and the fact that Grant asked for and talked about Mark for a couple of days following the trip. And apparently Ladan and Ev had the idea that Hope and Grant are their cousins! And mostly, because our families admit we've missed each other since we came back to our separate houses :)