Bear Lake | Friday

We spent last weekend in Bear Lake at Nic's family cabin and had the absolute BEST time! It is so incredibly beautiful there that I'm not sure my camera ever left my hand except for the moments when I was splashing with Liam in the water or playing in the sandbox. Everywhere you look there is a picture perfect moment to capture so needless to say I came home with a full camera roll of special memories and thought it might be best to break up our trip in two posts. 

Friday ...

If you've ever traveled with little ones, you know what a chore it is just to get out the door in the morning let alone with a fully packed car of everything you might possibly need for an overnight stay. haha In other words, we didn't leave super early on Friday morning. We rolled into Bear Lake right around lunch time and Nic's dad, the gracious host he is, was waiting for us with grilled hot dogs in hand! Such a kind man! We enjoyed lunch with Papa and Grandma Dee (the whole five minutes that Liam would allow anyway, he was chomping at the bit to go down by the water) and then spent the next couple hours playing with Liam in this giant sandbox overlooking the lake and catching up. Not a bad way to spend a Friday afternoon if you ask me!

Liam's cute Papa and Grandma ...

We were so bummed Dee had to leave during Liam's nap to head back home for work the next morning! We missed having her experience the rest of the trip with us.

Pretend fishing off the boat launch pad ...

It was so cute watching these two build a sand castle together ...

Friday's weather was in the mid 70's which was perfect when enjoying it from the shore but the water was absolutely freezing. Guess what, a certain little boy didn't care one bit and practically wanted to be tossed right in! haha The rest of us avoided swimming in it.

While walking with Liam through the water along the shore line I felt a small splash right in front of my feet and thought Liam had thrown a rock. As we kept walking though I saw this little frog frantically swimming away in front of me before returning to shore. Nic's dad said they hadn't seen a frog there in years so it was fun to spot this little guy! He is pretty camouflaged but can you find him??

Baby girl's first trip to Bear Lake! ;)

I definitely learned that this was likely my last trip anywhere before she gets here. It has become so uncomfortable being in the car for too long and sleep anywhere but my own bed is tough to come by these days. I loved every minute of feeling her kick inside me as I enjoyed this view though!

I had to share a couple of cute bloopers from asking Nic if he would take these pictures of me. The one on the left was him "posing" while I tested the lighting in my camera (haha!) and the one on the right was a result of his cute artistic/creative side. When he handed the camera back to me he said, "I took a few with you out of focus because I thought it might look kind of cool." Best photographer husband ever! :)

Nic's dad brought along this new sandbox set for Liam to play with and he hasn't stopped using it since (even at home)!

The family cabin!

Liam is in the sweetest phase right now where he hugs everything and everyone that makes him happy and goes "mmm" as he wraps his arms around tight and squeezes. It is adorable and melts my heart every time! While he is loving on this turtle in this picture, it didn't last long because a few moments later he was sitting on it in the shallow water and the waves caused it to tip over. haha He never used it again for the rest of the weekend!

One of his favorite things to do while we were there was to throw rocks in the water and watch for boats or jet skis going by ... 

There are the most beautiful pelicans that fly overhead and float in the water. They are so much fun to watch!

Our view for the weekend and a little piece of heaven on earth ...

Friday night Nic's dad made yummy chicken and veggie kabobs and baked potatoes for dinner. We were so spoiled and so well fed the entire time we were there! He would hardly let us lift a finger to even help clean up. 

After dinner we brought Liam inside the cabin for some down time before bed. There was a fun train track set for him to play with while we watched the movie, Up. Just as we were getting ready to put Liam to bed, the rain began to fall outside the open windows, cooling the temperature down for a pretty good night's sleep. It was the perfect first day! Sharing our Saturday adventures at Bear Lake tomorrow! XO