Saturday, September 28, 2013

Okoboji 2013

Seven glorious days spent at Lake Okoboji for our annual family vacation. I love this time of year! The leaves are changing, the night air has a chill and pumpkin spice coffee is on the store shelves.

We had beautiful weather- sunny and 80's almost every day.  A big thanks to the grandparents- G&G K. for taking Rea for a couple days so Andy and I could enjoy couple time without a toddler.  And G&G W. for helping us with Rea while we were there. 

We enjoyed the outdoor heated pool daily and it was so fun watching Rea turn into a little fish... we played games, lounged on the deck, shopped, explored some parks, frequented some fun bars, and ate so much good food!  My waistband is glaring at me right now.

There is something so carefree and relaxing about being next to the lake... all your stress just melts away. And there is something so special about being with family- I love hearing stories from years passed and feel so blessed that our families can come together and have fun together.

Definitely another great year at the lake! Until next time...

Disclaimer: picture overload about to ensue.

Let's head out!








We made it!












Getting comfortable.



Let's swim!






Catching the sunset....



Practicing letters with Papa:



Every morning is a happy morning at the lake...









Shopping. Look how happy she is, she just left the candy store with daddy.



A walk on the dock...



At our favorite bar, playground, bar- the Barefoot!








Being silly with Grandpa-



Lady of leisure...



Night sky-




Silly hat for a silly girl...



Early morning snuggles with Grandpa.












Setting the bait:



Caught a bird in action! He quickly took a piece of bread and flew off...









Date night:



Our lil fish...


Playing with daddy's music.



Family night!



Rea got lucky and was able to open a few early birthday presents from G&G K. She loved them all!






Family shots at the spot where Andy proposed.












Exploring a new park, Rea found her happy place!



Conquering the big slide....



"Mommy, what's this? A nut?" (an acorn)






I was so excited to see a digger! I used to play with one of these at a local park when I was young.



Perfect day for being outside!



Checking out a local pumpkin patch.



Took my eyes off her for one second and the basket was full of gourds and mini pumpkins!



She liked the chickens and roosters.



Time for volleyball!









Three words: outdoor. heated. pool.




Another round of birthday...






Working on her letter 'R'.







Early morning cartoons with Papa.






Love my baby girl!



Story time at a local library. Very nice and Rea had a great time.









Cookie time at a local bakery...



Teaching Reagan Kiddie Uno-



Lounging after a long day of fun...



Last night on the lake.



Breakfast tradition- the Dry Dock before heading home...






Missing the lake already... next year can't come soon enough! 

1 comment:

Iowa Sunshine said...

wonderful memories and photos!! i like that you go every summer -- a great ritual for your family. it sounds like you had perfect weather, too. glad you have fun -- hopefully it refueled you : )