Bear Lake Adventures

Thursday, August 18th we headed up to Bear Lake around 1pm.  We picked up Rob Daniels on the way, and headed up.  He hadn't been since he was in scouts and was wanting to go back up., so we invited him to go w/ us.  Ironically his family went two weekends before on a last minute decision, so he got to go up two times in August.  I sat in the back with the boys, with Nyles in the middle., to help keep him entertained.  We stopped in Logan so I could feed Carter, pick up Papa Murphy pizza's for dinner that night, and get a couple groceries at Wal-Mart.  We then drove the rest of the way up to Garden City (Bear Lake), got our keys to our condo, and unloaded.  After dinner, we went to the lake for an hour or so and played.  It started to rain pretty good for a few minutes, but then cleared up.

Nyles leading the way to the beach w/ his new squirt guns from Grandma and Grandpa McGrath.  They met us off the freeway on our way out to give us the squirt guns.  Thanks again!

Beautiful view walking to the beach.

Steve, Rob and Carter (in the wagon), walking the boardwalk to the lake.

Getting closer; the beach in sight now.

Steve helping Nyles as he pushes his loader around in the sand.

Nyles picked the loader out for his birthday from Toys R Us.  He got a coupon for his birthday there.  It ended up being a perfect beach toy.

Nyles getting Steve w/ the squirt gun.

Rob adventuring out in the water.

Carter enjoying being at the lake.  

He loves putting things in his mouth, so his blanket is usually one of the first things he gets in there.

Nyles warming up a bit after being in the water.

Walking back, and cleaning the sand off their feet.

Beautiful sunset.

Walking the boardwalk.

We got raspberry shakes on the way back to the condo, then got the kids ready for bed.  We rented a one bedroom condo, so the four of us were in the bedroom, and Rob took the couch.  Nyles slept on a mattress pad, Carter in his port-a-crib, and Steve and I on the bed.  Half way through the night though by back was killing me from the bed, so I took the covers and slept on the floor.  The mattress was horrible!  It squished us in like a taco!  I slept on the floor the following night as well.  It was definitely more comfortable than the bed.  We played a game of Mormon Bridge the first night, then went to bed.

Friday, August 19th, we got up, had breakfast, then Steve, Rob and Nyles went over to the playground at the park, while Carter ate then took a quick nap.  We then loaded up and headed over to the Idaho side of the lake.  Steve's mission companion, Eric Seamons and his wife and 3 girls met us there too.  He's going to school in Logan at Utah State and had never been up to the lake, so we invited them up to join us.  Their girls were ages 5, 3, and almost 1 month old.  Nyles had a great time playing w/ the two girls and the rest of us enjoying visiting as well.  The weather was PERFECT!  We were afraid it might be too cold or the wind was going to pick up, but it didn't and it was just right-not too hot nor too cold.  It was probably the best weather we've ever experienced while up there.

Carter w/ a full diaper from all night.  Nyles wanting to help change him that morning.  Carter thought he was pretty funny!

Carter taking a nap after getting there.  Nyles getting his loader out again to dig in the sand.

Nyles playing w/ the Seamon girl.

Steve, Eric, Nyles and Rob playing in the sand.

Steve's foot on the edge where he stepped up to get stuff out of the Thule on top (I thought it was cute).

Carter taking a nap again.  He actually slept quite a lot while at the beach.

 

Nyles pouring water on the sand.

Beautiful day!

Steve, Nyles and Rob.

Nyles playing w/ the loader some more.

Nyles eating some Cheetos with his lunch.  

We made Sun-butter and jelly sandwiches for everyone.

Nyles working on a fort that others had started.

Steve helping now.

Nyles, Steve and Rob coming in after swimming for a few minutes.

The Seamons left around 2:30pm, but we stayed a couple more hours.  Steve Nyles and Rob worked on building a sand castle.

As soon as we left, both Carter and Nyles were out!  It was a fun day at the beach for sure!  After dinner we all had baths/showers and got ready for bed.  After the kids were asleep we watched a movie, then headed to bed ourselves.  The lake wore us all out.

Saturday, August 20th we basically just packed up and left.  We had a great time as usual.  We've gone 4 years in a row now.  I guess it's becoming a family tradition for us.  Nyles sure loves playing in the sand and water.  We love that it's so shallow for a long ways out, and the kids are a little more safe that way.  It's a little cooler up there too which is usually welcomed in the Summer heat.  Plus it's only about 2 1/2 hours away.  Until next time Bear Lake.....


Nyles and Carter before packing up to go home.