Lake Hike, Shake Crawl, and Baptism

Bloomington Lake

One day of our vacation was spent hiking to Bloomington Lake.  On the way to the lake there were two small ponds that were just as beautiful.  The lake had a rope swing that I decided to not go off.  It looked freezing.  It was wonderful to get out and hike in the mountains. 

Dad fishing

Uncle Kevin with Duke

Ruthann crossing the lake

 

Cher dropping off the rope swing

Levi

Aunt Tauna and cousin Kate

Kami catching some sun

Shake Crawl

Bear Lake is known for their "famous raspberry shakes."  There are at least four places that claim to have the best.  We decided to do a shake crawl to try a few and determine for ourselves the best shake.  We each got a different kind and did a taste test.  For me the best was the raspberry shake from Quick n' Tasty.  It was creamy and delicous.

Collin's Baptism

We were so lucky to have scheduled our vacation around the time of my nephew's baptism.  He turned eight in July and waited for us so we could be a part of his special day.  I was able to give a talk on baptism and Trent was a witness to the baptism.  My brother Eric did wonderful job with the baptism and I am so proud of Collin.  He is such a wonderful kid!

Caves and plays

Minnetonka Caves



During our vacation we drove up to the Minnetonka Caves near Bear Lake.  The kids had fun with the wildlife while waiting for our tour. 

Then there were lots of funny faces.

Almost a picture worthy of a Christmas card.

Pickleville Playhouse

A group of us went to the melodrama "Who Shot Jaunito Bandito?".  It was a great time and it was fun to have the kids enjoy the silliness of the show.  Carlee especially loved it and fell in love with the hero of the show, character Jake.  At intermission, she started to cry and said "It makes me so sad" while talking about Jake proposing to the female character.  She went up to him during intermission and said "I like you."  After the show, she walked up to him, curtsied, and then asked for a hug.  As she walked away she squeeled, "Jake!"

Bear Lake

Trent and I decided that instead of spending a little time with both families this year we would have one large family vacation.  Bear Lake is right in between Idaho and Utah which made it a great choice.  We had a great time playing on the water and beach, cave exploring, eating great food, playing games in the wee hours of the morning, bike rides with my nephew, campfires, and good company.  We are grateful that our families get along!

We spent two days on the water and beach.  I love tubing and could spend an entire day doing it.  Trent was not sure about the tube after a few harrowing incidents on the hot dog.  The hot dog started as a good idea.  My dad thought it would be fun to add a little bounce to the ride and you can see what came of that.

We moved on to the tube which was much easier to control plus there was a lot more speed. 

Trent's brothers Troy and Dakota. Isn't Dakota's facial expressions just hilarious?  He goes from scared to elated.

Justin and Troy

Cousins Dee and Kate with Troy

My dad joined in the fun.

Kami and Mandy

Two of my favorite people.  Looking so happy and confident right before the tube submarined.

We also had a lot of fun on the beach with the kids.  I especially loved the mud war Trent and I got into with them. My niece Carlee cracks me up.  She has such an imagination.  One time during the trip she was playing on a tube and she told me it was her house.  Carlee: "Knock on my door."  Me:  "Knock, knock."  Carlee: "  Come in.  Do you like my house?"  Then she reaches back behind her and says "Do you like my weapons."  Then she pretends to pull out something and asks "Do you like my knife?" Then she said "Do you like my shovel."  At that time, I decided that I needed to run for my life.  Where does she get this stuff?

Eric was an all-star driver.  Thanks for the boating fun!

Cute Collin