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