Memorial Day Weekend

A brief get-away is exactly what my body has been craving! With the loss of Cooper and increased travel and stress load at work, I needed a little break from every day life. The Nodine's invited us to Lake Hamilton and we welcomed the opportunity to take a short family vacation.

We had not made the trip to Hamilton since Jake was 2 months old (Memorial Day weekend 2010).  In fact, we had not experienced any type of family vacation since that weekend!  In place of travel, Ryan and I have enjoyed our time off at home - often catching up on all the "to-do's" that seem to quickly pile up with both of us working.  We have also contemplated whether a trip was "worth it", meaning did the benefit of enjoying someplace new outweight the stress of traveling with a 1 and 5 year old.   Finally, we felt it was time and we enjoyed it beyond belief.

Jake and Kate were just about perfect the entire trip!  The Nodine's are beyond welcoming to our kids, which allows us to relax a little.  Jake is finally at the age where he can communicate his needs and is far more adaptable to different situations than he was 6-12 months ago.  He loved the freedom the lake house has to offer, roaming just about every square inch of the property.  He is also at the age that he can entertain himself and as we found out, all that is really needed is a little sand and a few buckets. 

Luckily for Kate, The Bushee's joined our families at the house for 2 nights.  Peyton (6) and Alex (4) are the sweetest little girls and a perfect match for Kate.  Despite not seeing each other for 2 years, they immediately bonded and were occupied for the remaining of the weekend.  A busy Kate and a content Jake provided Ryan and me a lot of relaxation time!  For the 1st time in I am not sure when, I felt I could take a deep breath and truly enjoy the moment.  The scenery is breathtaking as you can see from the pictures below.  When you have an invitation to Lake Hamilton, who needs anywhere else :)

Reflection back upon this weekend has me really excited to journey down to Saint Simons Island with my family later this summer.  It will be the 1st trip to the beach for our kids and I can't wait to experience all the 1st that come with summer vacations.

Here are some pictures from our perfect weekend.

On Thursday night, we loaded the car and enjoyed the 4 hour road trip with Jon, April and Jones. 

 Kate enjoying the photo op in Jon's hat.

My favorite part of the weekend is the early morning boat rides!  It appears that is Jake's favorite part too!

 Is this a good Father's Day gift or what?

 Jake and Jones conversing about all the changes at the lake since May 2010.

 Kate enjoys the boat any time of day!!!

 I mean really, can you believe the view?  It is even prettier in person.

 Jake occupied himself in this swing for at least 12 hours during our 3 day trip.

 Gibson is the latest addition to the Bushee Family.  He might just be the cutest little boy ever and he definitely gives Jake a run for the money in size!

 Jones enjoying the boat as well.  Maybe it is a tie between Jones and Gibson on cutest boy ever (well, and Jake too)!

 Peyton, Kate and Alex making one of their many trips between the house and the lake.

 Peyton, Kate, Alex, and Leona Nagel taking a quick break for some juice.

 Mindy with 2 of her 3 kiddos.

 Gibson and Jones checking out the water from the boat dock.

 One of the 100 self portrait images we have of these 2.

 Kate and her idol, Bailey Nodine, who is always so sweet to Kate during our visits.

 Jake enjoying the sand pit by the water's edge.

 Jones enjoying it too!

 Kate showing off her 1st sandcastle.  I hate that the pictures isn't of better quality because the castle she made was in resemblance of The Nodine's actual house.