Family Trip - Part 2/2

Next, we went to spend 4 more days in a beach house right on Lake Erie.

The house, the lake, the property... all of it was beautiful! Mom and Dad got big time props for finding such a great place!

The house was huge! There was an upstairs and downstairs, with a living room and bedrooms on each floor. There was a ping pong table, basketball court, games provided and a wonderful yard to play in.

The view was gorgeous. The lake was so big that we felt like it was the ocean!

There was a big deck that you could look out and watch the stunning sunsets from.

Our room had a queen size bed, a crib and a bunk bed, with access to the deck right out those double doors.

There was a large screened in patio that Christian grilled some burgers on one evening and we stayed out there to eat.

The kitchen was great, with a big dining area.

It was fun sitting at the big table all together for meals.

Everyone did there share in cooking and cleaning all week. Even the kids helped make some pigs in a blanket for a snack one day.

One-Eyed monsters were a special treat one morning from the guys!

We did A LOT of snacking, as you are suppose to on a trip! But we'll never tell how much! :)

We did lots of fun family things around that big dining room table.

There were a lot of games played that week.

The kids all played so well together.

Christian obsessed over figuring out the rubix cube the whole trip.

There were a couple chilly days, so we stayed inside in our jammies and enjoyed being lazy bums. Which was really nice since all of our daily lives are so busy.

We did a lot of cuddling and relaxing with movie nights and naps.

The sleepy eyed kids were so sweet playing together each morning.

Here the kids are "winding down for the night".

The beginning of bedtime was a little difficult because the kids didn't want to stop playing together. But once they got in bed (which was early, about 8 each night), they were all out like a light because of playing so hard during each day.

There were several beautiful days that we spent outside. We found lots of fun things to do to enjoy the weather.

The guys shot some hoops...

The kids had a great time with the swing set.

Look at these big grins!

Morgan loved the swing. She was smiling and excited at first, but then got relaxed and laid her head down on the front.

Poppy surprised the kids with kites! They got to pick out their very own.

The adults had just as much fun as the kids though!

Sis played in the grass with Nana... which is unusual cause Morgan usually does NOT like grass touching her.

Mason said. "I want Morgan to check it out, Mommy." So sweet that he always wants to include her.

Every spring and fall, we break out our kites at home, so Mason knew what he was doing.

He loves flying kites! He was so funny dancing around and doing tricks with it...

Our house was on a strip of land, so on the other side of the house was a beach area with more of the lake. 

Love my boys.

They were so cute searching for rocks to throw and skip.

Ready....

And, THROW!!

Comparing rocks... 

It was perfect weather for playing on the beach.

My three favorite men, right here.

The 5 boys were all so cute together. Boys are definitely boys at every age.

My two little loves.

Aunt T and her sweet boy.

One of the days, everyone went back to the Kalahari Resort and got to pet a REAL BABY TIGER!

The kids had fun seeing the tiger drink a bottle.

They got to rub on its belly.

Mason was silly making funny faces at the tiger.

There were other animals there too that the kids got to feed.

.............................................

The sunsets were gorgeous over the water.

We had to take advantage of getting some pictures with the beautiful backdrop.

We took some family photos to remember such a great trip.

Me and my little darling.

Timilie and Klayton.

All the girls.

All the boys.

Nana and Poppy with the 5 grand kids.

The McClure Family.

My little Meek Family.

The love of a family is a life's greatest blessings!

Families are like fudge-mostly sweet with a few nuts! :-)

We ended the trip, the way we started it... By getting up before the roosters crow to head to the airport, then in Home Alone fashion, all 12 of us piling out of our van and plowing our way through the airport with everyone asking along the way what the occasion was.

The kids were all happy campers again!

Mason and I got to snuggle and nap together this time.

...While Morgan and Daddy played together.

Again, she had fun visiting everyone throughout the plane.

.........................................................

It was a week long of memories of laughter, relaxation and fun with the ones that matter the most in life. The weather prevented us from doing a few things we had planned, but we didn't let it damper one second of the trip.

I loved getting to spend that much time with my babies- feeding them every meal, putting Morgan down for naps, and getting to play all day with them with no agenda but just having fun together.

It was wonderful to talk and have fun with my family, my siblings, their kids and my parents. 

Christian was great the whole trip. One day, Morgan and I were sick and he did a sweet job of taking care of us. He helped take care of the kids, cook and clean.

I couldn't have asked for more out of time with my family.

We may not have it all together,

but together we have it all!