Let me just start by saying I learned several things on this trip about myself, my family and my life. But, that was the boring part about the trip. I want to talk about all the fun we had. If anyone of you have never been blessed with the opportunity to go to Bear Lake, UT let me fill you in. Bear Lake looks like the Caribbean of the Rockies because of its intense turquoise-blue water. This is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake...(I looked it up ok)
I learned that if I had to live in Utah, I probably could learn to love it there. I think that state fits me in so many ways. I love the summer weather and all the outdoor activities. Not to mention the fun family atmosphere that seems to follow you from town to town.
When we got to the house it was amazing three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a full unfinished basement where grandma and grandpa slept. It was up on a hill so you had a good view of the lake. It was Sunday when we all got there and we had to check out the beach and find the spot we would pick for the next day.
The first day at the beach there was a cloud cover. Not too hot or cold. The kids played all day and there were waves washing up on the beach the kids played in. By the time we got out on the boat the water was too choppy for skiing but we enjoyed watching everyone tube and wake board. Yes I did get up wake boarding. I felt like a fish out of water cause I didn't know what the heck I was doing but there were plenty of people to watch who did know. The kids all tubed. I went with Andrea one time. Brian was going slow so he wouldn't scare her and I was dragging really bad. I tried to readjust my grip and I fell backwards into the water. Andrea held on but the tube toppled forward and she fell off. It shook her a bit but she got back on later and did great. Brycen did awesome. My kids are so fearless it scares me. What ever Brycen does, Andrea will do...just like me when I was her age. I think it is a middle child thing.
As the week went on it got hotter and hotter. Tuesday we all got burned so we stayed away from the beach on Wednesday. We played tennis and Taylor schooled me and heather bad. I did win one game. I still have my awesome serve, but it didn't phase Taylor too much.
I skied pretty good considering that it isn't the smoothest lake. Maybe if you got up at 6am and went, but the earliest we ever got out was 9 am. I am such a weenie. I am going to start lifting weights so I can last more then 5 minutes. A good pare of gloves would help as well. When I loose the rest of my baby weight it may add a couple of minutes on my time. Brian was such a good sport taking us all out everyday. He has a great boat.
Every morning I went running. I ran into the same cow each day...I named her Tessie. She was always outside the fence right next to the road. Running is my therapy. Heather and Kass both went with me once.
A Martin vacation would not be complete without games. We kept the tradition alive with Settlers, Scrabble, Rook, and a few others.
Emily Brought her boyfriend Cliff...he was a hit. We all liked him and he did well putting up with us for a few days before he had to get back to work.
We spent time at the pool and also the playground on the beach. Seriously beautiful area. We had such a great time and look forward to going back next year. I also need to say that husband was so incredible on this trip. He was the biggest stud and watched the kids way more then his fair share so that I could go out on the boat and ski and just enjoy the water. He is not much of a lake guy and he knows I love it and don't get to do it very often. He wanted to let me enjoy my time and really stepped up and was a supper husband and dad. He did get to golf with my dad and brothers each day so that was fun for him.
We ended the trip going up to Pingree Idaho to go to my Aunt and Uncles homecoming at church. They got back from their mission in Africa. I got to spend some time with my dear cousins. Even though it was short, it was so nice to catch up.
This trip meant a lot to me cause my whole life every summer we went to Island Park, Id or Star Valley, WO and spent time together with family in a cabin. Some of the BEST memories of my life came from those places. I am so glad that we will be able to continue that tradition at Bear Lake for my family. I don't know what I did to be blessed with such a great family...probably nothing, just luck maybe. But I feel so blessed and so grateful to my Heavenly Father.
This is the famous swing at my Aunt's house. I have this same picture of me when I was a kid.
Me with my cousins.
