Fun in the Pines

A few weeks after getting back from Indiana, we (the kids and I) took our yearly, summer trip up to see my Nana and Papa in their summer home in Lakeside/Pinetop. My Mom was in town also, so she joined us, as did my cousin, Shauna, and her two munchkins too. We all decided to pile in Shauna's Tahoe for the trek; it was a tight squeeze, but saved us some $ on gas!  

Right away, the kiddos went to playing. Little Jon was inside the older kids outside - little Jon Boy so wanted to keep up with them, he's such a cutie pie!

Bella and Jon Nordling

My handsome boy, Karsty Do!

On our way up, it started to pour rain! So we all got drenched as we unloaded the car. 

It was such a nice change to get into jeans and long sleeve shirts.

I'm pretty sure Karsten took this picture of his Me-la!

Ella and Kar keeping Jon occupied while we got ready for the day. 

Painting rocks is the BEST thing to do! My Papa pulls out rusty old coffee cans, a bunch of paint brushes and the kids go to town painting rocks, trees, coyote decor . . .

Ssshh, should we tell Ella her tushy is showing?

We went into town for a tiny bit, found a Pony Ride before the rain came pouring down again! 

It was fantastic. Love that rain!

Doesn't he look HUGE on that pony?!

Little Ella Bella.

Bella Boo, not super sure of the pony, so Shauna and Jon walked round and round so Bella felt more comfortable. That's a multi-tasking Mama!

Bella. Is. Such. A. Ham.

The Porch. This is where all the magic happens. 

Lots of reading, drinking, talking, drinking, eating, drinking . . . .

This is usually what happens after every rock paint party - a water hose party!

All cleaned up, snug as bugs in rugs!

My Papa and the great - grandkids after a walk. 

Me-la and Kar - they have a special bond.

My uber-tan Mama and Me! I am so lucky to have her as my Mama!

My Nana and Papa - aren't they fab?!

Shauna and myself with the g-parents. Love them more than anything!

Thanks, Nana and Papa, fantastic trip as always. Can't wait to see you back in the Valley! Loves!

Hey, Tooth Fairy! Over Here!

First tooth lost. 

Karsten lost his very first tooth while we were on vacation in Indiana! 

It was a little traumatic, but we got through it. 

I'm glad its out, I'm sad we have 19 more to go! 

Congrats to my buddy, though, a HUGE rite of passage for him.

Love the cute, little, space!

Indiana, Take Three!

We took our third and annual trip to Lake Wawasee, Indiana, at the end of June.
Being that we've been there twice before, we knew what to expect, but it seems to get better every year! There seems to be three strong themes that radiate throughout our trip which I've explained here:

Eat. Play. Sleep.

Three basic needs, but so much fun! It's so relaxing and wonderful! So here we go!

Taking off on a jet plane.

EAT

We had to stop as soon as we landed in South Bend, Indiana.

 Mark has never been to Steak and Shake!

 ?! 

Seeing as I am such a world traveler, I have enjoyed the fine dining of a Steak and Shake

 with my cousin, while visiting her in Illinois. 

Something everyone should enjoy!

The munchies helping Me-la make brownies at the house.

Home made ice cream cones with Ava.

Popcorn and Beer? Nope! Just some soda. :)

Seriously?! Could she been any cuter? Ava GRUBBED on some sweet corn!

Mmmmmm . . . Cinnamon Roll . . . 

PLAY 

Oh the jet ski. What can I say about my husband's girlfriend? 

We all enjoy the jet ski very much, but Mark and the kids love it so so much, it's hard to describe. 

So you'll have to take my word for it and here's a cute pic of my hubby and my baby.  

Karsten really took advantage of the diving board this year, since he is swimming now, he doesn't have to wear his lifejacket anymore. This pissed Ella off so much and she would try and sneak down there without putting it on. Good thing the neighbor kids would tattle on her and let me know! Good job, Lehner Kids, good job! :)

Karsten with Emma Lehner.

Ella jumping off the diving board (wearing her life jacket)!

A HUGE part of our "Play" was fireworks. Tons of fireworks! Actually, on the 4th of July, we didn't even go to see the Syracuse fireworks, Mark and Rich put on a display for us by the railroad tracks. 

There was only one time where we all had to run for cover!

Rich taking a ride with Gingersnap.

Watching the fireworks on Lake Wawasee on the 3rd of July in the Woody boat. 

Water balloon fight!!! It was the kids against Mark!

See them going after him?! So funny!

It took them so long to fill them up with water and about 2 minutes to go through all of the balloons!

"The Kids" The Lehner kids (minus Charlie), The Yori kids & The Ruiz kids (minus Charlotte). 

From left to right, Jack, Katie, Ella, Lily, Emma, Karsten, and Ava.

Those Lehner kids are so much a part of why our vacation is so wonderful each and every year. 

They are really great kids, their ages are all around and in between my kids' ages - 

they have a fantastic time together. 

Every year it gets better, they remember faster and have built memories together. 

I am looking forward to a lifetime of memories with these kiddos!

Legos!

SLEEP

And to finish things up, here are some of my very favorite people . . . .

And just a couple more pictures of beautiful Indiana!

This is taken on the porch, right outside our back door . . .

On the lawn, under the shady tree . . .

We always take a family photo on our last day of the vacation.

 I wanted to show each photo we've taken from the last three years:

2010

2009

2008

I hope these are just the beginning to a lot of summers spent in Lake Wawasee - it truly is the last best place and we are super duper lucky to get to enjoy it with our amazing family and friends. 

Until next year, Lake Wawasee, we will be back!