Bear Lake

We arrived at Bear Lake on Saturday afternoon. We’d spent the prior few days with a lot of cousins as the Pooles stayed for three days, and the Webbs recently moved in down the street. But we had all the cousins together for one last hurrah before they head off in different directions after high school. Not only that, we were at a new house, and for the first time, everyone had their very own bed!

Grandma and Grandpa made dinner that first night, and it was getting late before we knew it. Still, we fired up the gas firepit and toasted some marshmallows for S’mores. That was about all we had time for. 

Mom and Tiff were matching!

Our cutest little nephew!

The firepit was a fun addition!

On Sunday morning, we took it easy. We knew the beach would be packed, so we stayed home and watched a movie. The kids enjoyed the pool for a little while, and there was even a bit of tennis played. For dinner, the Ferlans made lasagna, and then we hurried out to take pictures. The photographer was really fun, and she worked hard to keep the little kids involved and to make us look our best. We didn’t get home until 9pm.

Little tennis and a little pickleball.

Swimming was fun with all the cousins.

We played our favorite catch and dive!

James was tired!

We loved the adventure sign.

Steph and Mom color coordinated.

Jonny and Dax being silly.

The location for pictures was lovely.

Dax has lots of good poses.

We loved our family pictures.

Mom and her sisters and parents.

All the boys!

Grandma & Grandpa with the cousins.

We were even brave and got in the water.

The whole family!

This was a fun pic!

A lovely night!

Monday and Tuesday were beach days. We had crepes for breakfast and then headed straight to the lake. The weather was perfect with blue skies, no clouds, and no wind. The beach was crowded, but we carved out a little area. It was so nice that we returned to the same spot the next day. 

On Monday night, we went to the refuge. We saw some pretty cool birds, but no moose this year. Then Tuesday night, we saw Newsies at Pickleville Playhouse. It was an amazing show! All the kids loved it (except for the kissing).

We were able to get cleaned up and get out by 10 o'clock. This got us home early, even with dropping Jonny off in Bountiful on the way home. 

Mom and Dad love going to Bear Lake.

Dax & Josh tried to share a kayak. They lasted longer than I thought.

Mark relaxed on the kayaks.

These three also shared a kayak.

It did not last long! 

Seth took James for a ride.

There was also lots of sand digging.

Mom took James for a ride, too!

Dax loves kayaking.

Our favorite ospreys by Bear Lake.

We love all the birds at the refuge.

The ruddy ducks are our favorite.

Back at the fire pit!

Mark spent a lot of time with the young cousins.

Bear Lake is the best!

Mom and her sisters before pics!

Mom always loves the scenery at the Bear Lake refuge.

These two are best buddies-- oldest and youngest cousins on this side.

The older teen boys like showing off their muscles.

They built a nice castle with a huge moat.

These insane people did a workout at the beach.

Dax playing with James. 

This is right before he pooped all over me.

Always love getting shakes and fries after the beach!

Pickleville!