The Crowl Family Adventures: Idaho

We made our annual trip out to Gigi and Grandpa's lake house in the beginning of August. I love that we have a place that we can take our kids regularly. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are visiting my grandpa and grandma's house on Lake Mendota in Wisconsin. I know that our kids will have many treasured memories from their time at the lake house. Every year we invite different friends to come with us, and this year the McIntires joined us. Having friends with us is one of my favorite parts because in normal life, we only share bits and pieces of life together, and conversation is often scattered as we chase our kids around. It's so special to be together in one place after the kids are asleep, and get a chance to learn more about our dear friends and what is going on in their world. I also can't say thanks enough to Gigi and Grandpa and their friends Lois and Gary (who own the other 1/2 of the lake house), for being such hospitable people. They always go above and beyond to get the house ready, and to make it a comfortable, relaxing stay.

I can't say enough about this little man and what a great traveler he is. I would seriously take him on a long road trip. He is so content to look out the window and talk about what he's seeing outside. He'll occasionally ask for a snack, or look at a book, but for the most part he just chills in his seat. He's also a great on the road napper.

This little lass on the other hand is quite the opposite. She didn't sleep a wink the entire car trip out there and she lasts about 18 seconds per activity, before chucking it to the floor. I know part of this is age, but boy is she work in the car!

We stopped for lunch and something short of miraculous happened. We bought Colter a frosty as a reward for being such a good traveler, and on his own, he offered Maddie some. Seriously folks... sharing ICE CREAM? With his SISTER? Totally amazing..

One of my favorite parts of the house is the beautiful deck. Not only is it a gorgeous view of the water, but the trees are incredible. It is so peaceful to sit out there, and soak up the tree filtered sun rays.

We made a trip down to the beach after Maddie was in bed. This picture cracked me up because Colter sits like this all the time. Like father, like son, like grandpa.

The lighting was perfect. It was such a peaceful and joy filled moment as we watched and cheered Colter's bravery with running in and out of the water.

Colter got up on this super high stool and serenaded us all with a rousing rendition of John Jacob and I've been working on the railroad.

We went to the beach the next morning to play in the sand and swim. We also took the boat out and Maddie got behind the wheel. Watch out!

We played lots of games during nap time.. this was a new one that was super fun.

The McIntires joined us by dinner time. I love eating out on the deck.

We had to take them out for a spin on the boat right away. This was the first time that the McIntire kids had been on a boat. It was so fun to see the thrill on their faces.

Colter took his job of driving the boat very seriously.

Every night the lighting just melts me. There is not much more beautiful than the golden hour by the water.

The next day we went to the beach again and did more water fun. Colter woke up early from his nap and we needed to go into town to get some groceries, so he tagged along and got a special treat!

The following day was our boating day. Jessica and I were the first ones that braved the tube. I had a much better experience this year compared to last year. Restored my faith in the boat captain :)

That night the Crowls watched the kids and we got to go out on a double date. We did this last year with my sister and it was one of the highlights for sure. It's such an out of the ordinary experience to be on a double date AND on a boat!