Lake Livin...

We were up bright and early Saturday morning for a fun weekend at the lake with some friends. The Pattons were so gracious to open up their family lake house to us, the Munsons and the Kurtens. We all started this crazy journey of parenthood together almost 8 years ago now - how is that even possible?  

As soon as we got to the house we unloaded and headed to the water. I couldn't believe that it was the kids first time at the lake but I could believe that they absolutely LOVED it. Who wouldn't. 

Water - check

Sun - check 

Friends - check

Jason brought paddle boards for us to try and they were a pretty big hit, too. Please note Landry holding on for dear life to Jenna. 

These kids didn't need to hold on to anything though. Jackson is an old pro at the paddle board but he got Davis and Radley caught up quickly and all of a sudden we looked up and they had figured out that they could push the board under the dock and jump back on the other side. 

I don't know if anyone was in heaven more than Ryan. He was a lake rat growing up, heading to Lake Texoma with his friends as often as he could, only coming home because you know, school. He would pick lake over beach any day of the week and has already found us a property or two that we just "have to buy". Ha! Who wants in?

I love watching him pass on his favorite things to the kids. I also love the fancy "diaper" trick he taught all of us with those life jackets. Made floating so much easier. 

By late afternoon, everyone was a pro at something. 

Landry may have surprised me the most with her bravery. She is totally my "I'll do it when I want to" kid, so it took her some time to warm up to things. I was skeptical that she would get on the jet skis but she was the first one to hop on with Coach P - I could tell there was a moment that was make or break when Jill paused on their way to the dam, but then she took off and Landry came back with all smiles. Rad went on a much rougher ride with Mr. Glen so I think L ended up liking it more. 

So much that she went again with Ryan. Emmy was also a trooper - on Glen's trip back from pulling the kids on the tube, I looked up and saw that Emersyn had fallen ASLEEP on the jet ski. Seriously - she was sound asleep - I wish I had been holding my camera at that point.

The ease of a day at the lake is a gift in itself. We were seriously given the most gorgeous weather and on top of that had all of our favorite people with us to enjoy it. 

Around 5'oclock the fish started biting and Uncle Josh helped Landry and Emmy reel in their first catch. Landry loved them all and Emmy named hers Princess Anna. Mills and Jackson are old pros but we still need to document their big catch. :)

The whole day felt like a giant dance party on the water. So many laughs - sprinkled with a few tears, because, well... 10 kids - shared with some of my favorite people and my kids' favorite people, too. We grilled some burgers and hot dogs, ate by the light of the setting sun. 

As the moon started to rise we were all a bit speechless - it started out as a coral orange and as she appeared faded into a yellow - so bright I felt like we needed sunglasses. We did some night fishing and then put the kids to bed. The biggest kids stayed up late talking about nothing at all - retelling old stories and making some new memories. 

This morning we packed up to head home but not before feeding the local wildlife, and I don't mean this crew.

Yep. The deer eat out of your hand and the kids could not have been more excited. 

Seriously, Landry wanted us to bring one home and I totally would have if I could have fit one in my car.

And like most good stories, this one also had to come to an end. I basically can't even comprehend how good this village is. I am so thankful for the story God had written for us when we moved schools. He knew that there was this undiscovered group of parents for our village. I love my village and I am so excited about all the stories we have to come.