Big Bear, finally

There are so many darn pictures to choose from, I haven't known where to start. I'm just going to jump in with both feet!

Our trip to Big Bear was fantastic! We rented a house that was right on the lake. Since our kids are so young, we needed something that ensured a good nights sleep for all. This was just the answer. The house had 4 bedrooms so everyone got a good nights sleep and no naps were missed! We loved being right on the lake because the babies could nap and Aaron or I could take the big boys down to the lake to fish, catch bugs or just explore. We also really enjoyed the big (fenced) backyard, the spa on the back deck and the pool table. This was just the perfect vacation for our little family- with young children. We can't wait to go back next year!

Some of the highlights were:
*renting the pontoon boat- and Addie being the first to jump in the freezing cold lake!
*movie night
*playing lots of pool
*going in the got tub with the boys at night and looking at the stars
*Alpine slide-so fun!
*bowling
*go-carts
*swimming at the lake
*playing with the water-propelled speed racer car
*catching thousands of baby catfish and keeping them in our blow up pool
*sleeping in and lots of naps
*Addie sleeping in a "big girl" bed
*my parents coming up for a night

Here are a FEW of the hundreds of pictures we took. . .


This is the view of our house from the back.I love this procession of pictures- getting ready to jump ( it was cold!)
jumping...
She did it!!
Jake, our captain.
I think this is my favorite picture of the whole trip. Poor little Carter and his life vest. He didn't really love it- and for good reason! "Fat man in a little coat" -- name that movie!
Addie loved "driving the boat."

Something sure was interesting to these three
Serious Tyler- he took his job very seriously!
This pool table kept the boys busy for hours. I never knew there were so many things you could do with pool balls and cues.
We only brought one pack and play so we weren't sure how Addie would do in a bed. She did wonderful! She would stay in the until someone came to get her out-
How's that for some bed head? Some of you have asked what "it"looks like before I tame the beast- well, here it is in all it's glory. Oh. My.
My three sweeties.
We had a private dock and we spent lots of time there, just exploring.
Snack time on the back deck.
Movie night with the big kids- Jumanji, popcorn and candy.
The view from the back deck.

The water propelled Speed Racer- tons of fun.
Our attempt at a family picture.
The boys spent lots of time doing Lego's- just like home.
and puzzles.
Last time we took the kids bowling ( couple years ago) it didn't go so well. This time was so much better. Everyone (ok, Addie needed a little help) could bowl by themselves.
All 4, on the pontoon boat.
We each took turns taking teh kids on the go carts, they loved it!

Brothers, at the Bowling Barn.
Addie thought bowling was great- she was so funny!
Look at that form. Sometimes I get so sick of Aaron being good at everything! Seriously, isn't there something that he ISN"T good at?? (the answer is no, I've seen him do it all)
Me and my girl.
Finally, a good picture of Jake smiling. he has the cheesiest forces smile, it's rare that he has a natural smile.
Addie got stuck in the mud down by the dock. She started sinking and it was so funny! She was crying and Jake came to her rescue and pulled her out of the "quicksand."
Love this goose.
She loves to grab your cheeks and say "Chubby cheeks, chubby cheeks!"
Above: The boys found these schools of catfish and caught the and then put them in our pool in the backyard. Although we returned them, alive of course, I think we may have single-handedly wiped out the entire catfish population of Big Bear Lake. There were thousands of these little guys swimming around.

My sweet Carter. He was such a good boy on our trip- sleeping through the night like usual and going with the flow.
Fishing off the dock.
Above: Grammy and Tyler on the Alpine Slide. Can't wait to do that again, so much fun!

Our new tradition: Ice Cream Party on the last day of vacation. We hated to throw our left over ice cream away- so we brought out the ice cream, gave the kids spoons and let them go to town!
Hot tub party!
My Dad and Aaron, relaxing on the boat.
Another beautiful view from the yard.

Last but certainly not least. . .
MVP for our trip goes to my wonderful husband!!

He took the kids EVERY morning so I could sleep in. It was just heaven to wake up every morning, with the most amazing view of the lake- and then roll over and go back to sleep. I can't say thank you enough- I enjoyed every minute of it.

I will be the first to admit that going away with kids is sure a lot of work! I think it took me just as much time to get ready for our trip- as we spent on our trip! BUT- it was so wonderful to get away for a few days. I loved having no phone or computer. I loved being able to focus completely on the kids and my husband and I loved all the laughing, playing and wonderful memories that were made, and for that reason, I would (and will) do it all again!