Fall Break 2013

I prefer to be on the beach soaking up the last of summer's rays during Fall break,

but this year we decided to go up North to the chilly pines.

We thoroughly enjoyed spending the week in this lake front cabin.

There's 3 boats, a fire pit, huge deck, plenty of seating inside and out,

and sleeps up to 12 people!

Morning view from the deck

Loving the fall colors <3

Everything looked so blue and the reflections were beautiful!

It was peaceful in every way even though 9 of us were sharing only 1500 sq.ft. of indoor space.

I actually liked the fact that we were all "squished together".

I think we tend to get lost in our huge homes.

A lady once told me that she felt she lived a richer life with her family when they had much less.

My life definitely feels richer when I share it with my loved ones.

Materialistic things come and go...

I never realized how incredibly loud ducks are!

Beautiful, blue reflection <3

We had lots of game time, laughing time, eating time, drinking time...

and...

 I had a lot of time to reflect on my life...

Things from the past, things I've learned, things I still need to do...

I had time to think about the people in my life...

Who brings out the best in me, who brings out the worst...

Being disconnected from everyone for a while can sometimes be healing :)

Spending some quality time together...

You'd think that Dale and I spend loads of time together now that he works from home but I actually feel it's quite the opposite.  He works so hard all the time.  Being self-employed means, much.more.work.

It was nice to go on a little boat ride with him. :)

Papa took four of the kids on a boat ride.

Most of the days there were very cold.

By cold I mean mid 50's.

That's freezing to me!

It rained and hailed one of the days which was okay cause we stayed inside and made yummy hot chocolate and worked on two puzzles together :)

Everything was perfect... the only thing missing was my mom and dad.

Really, really wished they could have come. <3

We usually don't take Wilson with us on vacation.

I was really happy to know that we could bring him along on this trip.

He was crazy in love with all the different smells and I'm sure the cooler weather was a real treat for him!  He played hard all day and slept like a rock at night :)

Austin running off with Wilson's new favorite stick!

Happy dog and his stick :)

He is quite the little blessing to our family... love this little guy <3

Making memories is what it's all about.

I want my sons to have cherished memories when they grow up.

Family time is GOLDEN.

  My Favorite childhood memories are from when we would go to the beach in Mexico every year.  They were the most peaceful and happy moments of my life.

Never miss the opportunity to capture a magical moment....

One of my nieces listening to her music and soaking up

the last bit of sun before sunset :)

Girls being girls.  My niece dancing around in the sun :)

If you're looking for a nice, cozy cabin to escape to, you must look up Jack's Cabin.  It gets fully booked in the summer and usually around Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I'll definitely think about going back but next time, when it's a weeeeeeeee bit warmer!!

http://www.jackscabin.com