Summer Vacations, Part I--Dome Lake

Getting away from everyday life is so invigorating! Our summer started out for us with zero plans to go anywhere, and then we have had the opportunity to get away twice this summer! The first trip was at the end of June up to a gorgeous place in Wyoming called Dome Lake. It was a very last minute trip, but that just added to the excitement.

Alec's parents were kind enough to invite us, and the rest of Alec's family, to tag along as they celebrated Mark's 50th. Since Alec says this is his favorite place to vacation of ALL TIME, we couldn't let the opportunity pass us by. He has such fond memories of vacationing there with his cousins as a child, and I can see why.

The setting is just spectacular--it almost seems like it is make-believe. We stayed in an awesome cabin that is over 100 years old, but has been updated with all the modern amenities (running water, flushing toilets, regular beds, etc.) It does not, however, have the modern amenities one needs to truly get away from, (i.e., no telephone, TV, or Internet). And it is so private there that you really feel like you are in another world. Thanks to Nancy's sister, Wynne and her husband, John, for letting us spend a week in their fantastic cabin.

The drive was long (about 10 hours), but Abigail just put her blanket over her head and slept.

Owen spent hours in the sandbox. He loved it so much, he decided to eat some. Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it and get a closer look!

Grammy brought along lots of fun activities for the kids to do--including bubbles.

It was so nice to be able to see the kids spending time with all their cousins and also with Grammy and Pops.

Each of the kids got to catch their first (and in some cases, 3rd, 4th, and 5th) fish.

Abigail's reaction to fishing was a mixed bag--equal parts thrill and disgust.

Every afternoon we had "horizontal hour", aka nap time.

This moose spent nearly an entire afternoon just feet away from the deck of the cabin. Abigail was only brave enough to get that close when Pops was holding her hand.
The boys (Mark, Alec, and Peter) started and ended everyday down on the lake fishing. The kids ended everyday with a giant cousins bath party. (I think Cecilia is scrubbing Owen's behind in this shot.)
And lastly here we are as a group. Unfortunately we are missing Sarah's husband, Tyler, who had to stay home in Colorado to attend to his dental patients.
(Thanks to Pedro for the last 2 photos.)