Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Big Bear

We had fun in the mountains over the 4th.  But it was not our usual trip.  There were many mishaps.  Beginning with me taking a bad fall in the parking lot of Wells Fargo on our way out of town.  I tripped over a curb stop in the parking lot that had been dislodged and swung around into a place it shouldn't have been. Plus, I am a klutz.  It is a wonder I didn't break anything.  But I was pretty sore for a couple of days.  Our Hannah got sick with the flu, and they had to leave early.  There was a leak in the ice maker on the fridge, but luckily we were there and noticed it right away so Greg could fix it.  I forgot my makeup bag, with hair brush and medicine, etc.  We forgot our zero gravity chairs.  The weather was not great.  But we had fun.
We got there, and I hung the bunting off the back deck.
Set the table and umbrella out on the deck too, a favorite spot for morning coffee.
After unpacking, we headed to the marina and visited the kids, who were camping in their RV where we keep the boat.  They were having fun at the playground when we arrived, and then we watched a horseshoe tournament going on.
Hannah must have sat and watched them play horseshoes for a good hour.  She was mesmerized.
Claire kept herself busy collecting leaves, and putting stickers on everyone.
Hannah has always been extremely close to her Geeps.  It melts me heart to watch the two of them together.  I stood there smiling, camera in hand, behind them as they were swinging and talking, unaware of my presence.


They were chatting away,  just enjoying the moment!
We took a boat ride.
Anchoring in a favorite cove for a little swim.
Hannah was raring to go.  But Claire needed a little coaxing.
And after some encouragement, she did it!
She clung to Daddy though, because she didn't like the "Kee Weed" or sea weed, (lake kelp) that can be felt in the more shallow parts of the lake.
There is something about a lake, particularly, a mountain lake, that is just so tranquil.  I could sit on the boat forever, bobbing along, enjoying the sights.  I love to see the cabins that dot the shoreline.  Both rustic and grand.  Canoes, and lake toys that sit waiting to be enjoyed.  The people, and families, as they play and relax in this beautiful place.
 We went in to prepare for dinner at the cabin, before the big festivities of the night on the lake. I loved this shot I snapped of Jake and Claire, all snuggled up on the boat on our way in.
Walking down the dock, I loved seeing Hannah with American Flag held high.
We had a delicious, but simple BBQ.  Grilled hot dogs, sausages, chili, fresh fruit, and corn on the cob, and grilled zucchini from my garden.
It really hit the spot.  After cleaning up, we headed back down to the lake for the fireworks show.  We left the marina about 8:00, just as darkness was falling.
Jake broke out the glo sticks and necklaces for the girls.
We headed down to the end of the lake, where the fireworks were to be held.  So many boats, with night lights on, cruising slowly to find the perfect spot.  And then we waited, for the nine o'clock hour, and the festivities to begin.  We set our radio to coincide with the music that was prepared to play with the fireworks show.  Patriotic songs that made our hearts swell with pride, that we live in our America.  And then, the show began.
We oohed, and ahhhed, and enjoyed this warmer than usual night on the lake with our family.  The show was beautiful against the black mountain sky of Big Bear.
So fun!  And when the show was over, we took our sleepy kids, back to lay heady down at their camp.
See you for more of our Big Bear Weekend tomorrow.
XO  Kris

23 comments:

Mereknits said...

IT looks like a fantastic time minus bumps, bruises and a bit of the flu. I love how your family is so close, it is a blessing.
Hugs to you,
Meredith

Sunny Simple Life said...

I am so glad you are okay. Your trip sounds like our usual vacations. We say the movie RV is modeled after our life. I love Big Bear. Was just telling Dean we should rent a cabin for a week up there next summer so all my kids can enjoy it. My two oldest never get to go away with us cause they always have work or something but it is close enough they could drive up.

Pam said...

A lot of things went wrong but I am so glad you ended up still having a great time together.

Love the photos!

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm so glad you didn't break anything! I love my zero gravity chairs, too. It looks like a wonderful family 4th.. similar to ours. I'm ready for another BBQ! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Hanne said...

Its just a wonderful place you have there. I love seeing all the photos. Im glad you didnt brake anything

Unknown said...

You are a lucky gal. It's all that work in your garden this summer. Glad you had a good 4th. Quiet one around here with lots of visits to the seniors. Nothing exciting, but was a few feet from the Stanly Cup {hockey} in the parade, which is a big deal, I guess. Off to check on my first ever French Onion Soup in my blue Dutchie. Wish me luck.

Tammy said...

How fun!!!!!!!! Poor Hannah! Hope she's feeling better. Hope you are feeling better, also!

Unknown said...

It's so beautiful! Looks like everyone had fun (inspite of the sea weed) in and on the water. Making memories, that's what we grandmas do best "-)

Astri said...

What a wonderful outing! That zucchini in the foil looks very good. ;-)

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, When I saw that you took a fall, I thought oh no-so very thankful you didn't break anything. I am a natural born klutz, so is one of my daughters and several granddaughters(the doctors say it is because our minds are so far ahead of where our bodies are). As we get older, I do worry about breaking bones. Glad the rest of your trip was alright,despite the ice maker etc. Loved your pics-I love your cabin. How fun!!!!
Have a great evening and can't wait to see the rest of your photos.
Hugs, Noreen

Val said...

I'm so happy that you are ok. Looks like you are having an amazing Summer with your family.

Cathy said...

Despite the rocky start it looks like everybody had a great time. What a wonderful way to spend time with your family.

Jill said...

So many great pictures and wonderful memories captured here! Sorry to hear of the "mishaps" and I hope Hannah is feeling better. I'm with Claire in the water...lol if I can't see the bottom I'm not getting in! LOL I did however swim in Aruba... ;-) Have a wonderful week, can't wait to see more pictures.

Blessings,
Jill

Holly said...

So glad you got to have some family time. No Erika and Noah? Hope they had a good 4th wherever they were. Girl, you need to stop falling in parking lots and falling into pools. Gonna get you one of those "I've fallen and can't get up" buttons.

Susanne Tyree said...

When it rains it pours, I am so glad the obstacles at the start didn't keep you from enjoying the holiday with your family. Spent my 4th right here at home. The neighborhood started celebrating with fireworks on Thursday and it finally let up on Sunday night around 10:30pm. I swear I never thought they were gonna give it a rest, it sounded like the fireworks were going off right over my house, and the next door neighbors must have had a cannon...BOOM! every few minutes. My dogs were going nuts, lol
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Jeanna said...

Now that is a great way to overcome adversity!

Thank you for sharing your pictures and story. It was relaxing just reading this post.

Robyn said...

Looks like you had a wonderful weekend!..Another blogger from um, Lemon Lane Cottage, I"m sure you know her, she was up there too.. The kids look like they had a blast and I am loving the photos of Geeps an his grandbaby on the swings together.. What a special moment captured. Speaking of captured, your photos are gorgeous!

Linda said...

Sounds like a fun trip even with the mishaps!

Debbie said...

Oh Kris sooo happy you didn't get hurt too badly when you fell. I am always afraid of taking a tumble. And it is soo jarring anymore. I bet you were sore for a couple of day! Your 4th sounds soo good. Glad you enjoyed it!

priscilla said...

Yikes ! Glad you weren't hurt ! Hope your granddaughter is feeling better :)
Big Bear looks beautiful ! Seems so relaxing !

Nicolle said...

Great pictures! I think if I went up to Big Bear, I'd never want to leave. Love those shots of Geeps and Hannah on the swings, and sweet Claire getting in the lake. I'm glad it was a fun time for all!
xo

Lindz said...

By the looks of your pictures, it looks like you had a great time!! Bummer about all the mishaps....no fun there! :( You guys got such great firework pictures...we are kicking ourselves for not getting closer to see better.....hopefully next year!! :)

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for taking the time to post, Kris. I'm glad you were able to have a good celebration on the 4th in spite of your fall and the items you forgot to bring! I enjoyed viewing your story :)
Gracie xx