A Summer Weekend at Beaver Lake

A mere 7 hour drive from Denver and we're enjoying a weekend with the Loughran clan. Laura had invited us down for a long weekend earlier in the summer and we were finally able to pin down a good weekend for everyone. This time we decided to head out at the end of the day Thursday and spend the night in Grand Island. That way our kids weren't a complete train wreck when we arrived. Something about 8 hours in a car for 3 kids under the age of 3....

Anyhow, we rolled into the cabin in the morning on Friday. After briefly settling in (dropping the bags off as the kids explored new toys and environment), it was time to don swimsuits! A boat ride had been requested and Kevin and Laura were happy to oblige!

Ella models here life-vest for the upcoming boat ride.

I think someone really wants to pilot the boat! For the record this was the practice run...

And of course it was properly supervised!

I think Laura has driven this route before...smooth sailing and a napping child!

Well, he wouldn't sleep forever, what is the fun in that? Mom & Jack enjoy the breeze.

A nice moment for brother and sister at the bow as we came around the bend.

On Saturday we were joined by a couple more of the Loughran clan, including little ones to join in the fun. New toys were introduced and hijinks were had with a jeep and a sand volleyball court to give just a sample of the fun.

Big Jack and Little Jack say hello.

Father and son attempting to get a swim in...this looked promising, however Hank wasn't entirely into the activity once we got in the water.

All was prepared for...BLT's for the adults (Kevin is an expert with bacon) and chicken nuggets for the kids. Clare lead the charge with dinner for the kids.

All those swim lessons may have paid off! Ella had fun practicing swimming with Dad.

Good times were had by all. Though at times outnumbered, there are enough adults to keep the kids in check. Matthew drove in from Red Cloud to round out the Loughran-McGuire crew. Come evening there was a solid bonfire by the water with several beverages consumed and many laughs had. Ella got to sleep in a bunk-bed in the Pink room and though our kids didn't sleep late they managed not to wake the remainder of the house each morning.

We had a great time and it was not easy to push off on Sunday morning for the drive back up the hill...it's only 8 hours after all! Thankfully the AC was well deployed and naps were plentiful...oh and the DVD player functioned flawlessly.