Summer Fun

What a weekend!!!  Monday was my 25th birthday and I have to say, 25 feels pretty great.  What better way to spend your birthday weekend than with your family on a lake, right?  Packing up clothes and supplies for kids is never easy, but it is SO much easier when you're only going camping.  We took the bare essentials and the playpen and hit the road.  My parents reserved cabins at Holliday Landing on Lake Wappapello and it was pretty nice accommodations for "camping".  I am not brave enough to camp in a tent with children, this family NEEDS their air conditioning.  I was very thankful that they allowed "friendly pets" as guests.  Remy has never been on a trip overnight, and I am so glad we chose this place.  He LOVED it!  The owners had two dogs, a boxer and a pug and he made friends with them pretty quick.

Our cabin had a very clear view of the swimming pool and we were there maybe an hour before we had to go check it out!

Porch view

 Family pool time with our girls!

I am amazed at how many changes a year can bring for a little girl.  Olivia as a 2 year old was scared of her own shadow, LITERALLY!  She had many phases of fears; bouncy balls, baths, BUBBLES, puppies, sleeping alone...  You name it, we experienced it.  Since turning 3, she has developed into such a strong-willed, independent little girl.  We have watched those fears disappear.  She had a great time swimming at the pool this weekend and showed no fear, even where I would have liked for there to have been some.   

Olivia getting warmed up!

Caroline was HILARIOUS to watch in the pool.  She had never been in a body of water (aside from the bathtub) so her reaction was just priceless to watch.  She had her serious, "I look like my Daddy" face on, and wasn't sure what to think.

Caroline's serious face

I was a little shocked that my Caroline wasn't thrilled because I had predicted she would love the water!  Once we took her hat off, she warmed up a little!  She loved splashing and floating.  It was so sweet to see her having such a good time.  She is changing so much.  At her age, even a week brings so many new discoveries.  I am truly blessed to be her mommy!

Precious baby feet all wrinkly from the pool!

Caroline and Mommy

On day two of our camping adventure, Granddad rented a pontoon boat and we all went for a ride!  It was SUPER hot and Caroline was NOT liking her life jacket but we had such a great time.  Granddad let Olivia take over driving the boat, which led to an awkward moment of still, silent terror in the middle of the lake when she pulled the kill-switch.  Thankfully, that only lasted a few minutes and we were back in business.  

Our little family ready to head out in the boat!

Driving the boat with Granddad

Driving the boat alone (this one is definitely more fun!)

After a couple of hours out on the water, we headed back to the cabins to cool down and rest up for the afternoon.  **This is code for: Daddy, Caroline, and Remy need naps!  

Olivia and Mommy

Caroline and Remy hanging on the porch

It was a fabulous birthday weekend.  I am blessed beyond belief to have a family that loves me so much.  There was a giant cake, some of the sweetest gifts, and more importantly, my husband who is NOT a fan of the outdoors spent the entire weekend in a cabin (which was less than luxurious) all at my request.  It was very much the break this mommy has been needing.  No cooking, no cleaning, and no laundry.  I am already looking forward to a trip back there again!  It does seem a little surreal that the next time we visit we will be a family of 5.  That just sounds crazy!  Thanks for reading our blog!  :)  

~Maegan