Swimming, Kayaking, Pontoon Ride [ Tuesday ]

When we got back, we went out to the lake. Christian really wanted to try out the kayaks, so we did. He went in his own, and I took Jonah out, then Ben took Noah out. It was so peaceful, quiet, and so beautiful.

I thought we could get a picture of all my boys...but as it turns out Isaac wasn't interested.

But he did look pretty cute standing there next to his Daddy.

Jonah joined the crew out on the raft/dock...look at those guys!!

Painting rocks...until those pesky, mean ol' flies bit TOO many times! 

After supper, we ate s'mores.

The owner's that also lived on the property, had 3 children, one of them was a 5 year old boy. 

He loved to play in this dirt pile...and then showed our boys this! They loved it!! 

The owner's were so generous and kind. After they were finished with supper, they told us they would take us out on their pontoon for a ride. It wasn't necessarily the type of ride that was quiet; without fussiness and constantly trying to keep a 1 1/2 year old and 3 year old to stay somewhat still.

But it certainly was beautiful. So beautiful.

Thankful for this evening, in all the non-perfect yet perfect ways. 

It was a wonderful way to end our time on the lake.

Lake day [ Monday ]

We started our day off with breakfast...pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon.

The weather was beautiful. Not too hot, but definitely warm enough to enjoy the water (for those little boys that wanted to!)

A picnic lunch, right outside our cabin/house. It was super handy to be the only ones here, and having everything within a 100 yard distance.

While Isaac was taking a nap in the cabin, the other boys kept playing with Ben. Christian and Noah both wanted to be buried. (Ben was in charge of taking those pictures..and somehow only Noah's was taken!)

Christian wanted to swim out to the floating raft/dock thing. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to touch or make it without getting tired, so he put on some water wings!

Daddy and Noah joined him...oooh Daddy, such a big kid jumping in like that!

Jonah didn't want to try it, he just hung out with me and watched.

Such a beautiful view.

Family Trip: The Lake [Sunday]

We left the Birky reunion mid afternoon, and headed to our VRBO cabin/house a couple hours away near Grand Rapids, MN. Along the way, a rather LARGE Paul Bunyan was along side of the road in Akeley (hard to miss this fella)...so we stopped to say hello. 

 We arrived to Grand Rapids, and it was NOT a pretty scene inside our van. We actually stopped at Walmart to get our groceries first (simply because I don't think they would've allowed certain children inside the restaurant the way they sounded). But Walmart cured (haha) the issues, and we were able to stop at a restaurant for food before unpacking our things at the house. I had to include this picture while we were eating, because the irony of the moments surrounding it were too much! 

After eating, the bellies and behaviors were much happier. We made it to the cabin/house in about 10 minutes or less. The boys explored the inside while we unpacked just the essentials for the night. And then we went outside to check out the lake. It stayed light outside much later than in KS, so it was WELL past bedtime before we were all tucked in for the night. 

So beautiful. Ready for some quiet days right here.

Beaver Lake

The Sweigart family ALL (but Tim G.) spent several days at Beaver Lake in Arkansas.

We spent time swimming, going for rides on the jet ski, playing games, eating good food, and keeping and eye on 8 children.

Grandpa had told a bedtime story about a bear when he was younger on a family camping trip...

then Grandma read "Going on a Bear Hunt" to the kids.

The guys playing the "Construction Game" after the kids were all in bed.

The girls played Ticket to Ride....

and of course we had PLENTY of food to snack on. My personal favorite..Mom's popcorn...yum.

Monday morning there was quite the impressive thunderstorm that was rolling through. Around 7:15 we saw, felt, and heard the VERY close lightning bolt that hit the bird feeder right outside the house. Dad had a big pontoon rented for the day..but that wasn't an option...since the lady said we'd have to come back if it was lightning...not sure why she even bothered saying it was an option to get it, because it was lightning like crazy, and wasn't going anywhere anytime fast. Instead, we played games inside, and by mid afternoon we were able to get in the water by the dock and swim. It ended up being a nice evening.

Brent found a true walking stick...I've never seen one before!

Tuesday, Mitch had to leave for work. But Dad was able to get another pontoon for half a day...so we were able to go out and enjoy the ride. I love riding on the water! We had a picnic boat lunch and swam for awhile...then headed back, so Brent & Alyssa's family could head back home. We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming around the dock and going for rides on the jet ski.

Noah showing his pure delight...while banging on Ben's head!

Wednesday was another rainy day. But we planned on heading back anyway. It took all morning to get things cleaned and packed back up.

We had alot of fun...the weather was not maybe agreeable with what we had planned the whole time..but simply being all together (again...we missed Tim) was more than enough to be special!
Thanks for a good time Mom and Dad :)