Bear Lake: Part 2

While in Bear Lake we of course had to take a giant group picture.

It's not everyday we can all get together for something like that with such beautiful surroundings.

(from Shel)

(from Shel)

The house we stayed in had a wonderful yard overlooking the lake.

We ate many of our meals out on the giant deck and the kids played for hours outside.

It really was the perfect set-up.

The kids biked all over the huge driveway.

These boys, however, were constantly fighting over this big wheel. 

They shared...sometimes:)

If you want to know what Michael looked like as a nine year old, look at the picture below.

Cute cousin E was always playing with and loving on Samuel. 

As were all the other cousins.  He's irresistible I tell you!

We used the fire pit one evening and made s'mores. 

 There were a lot of basketball games.

This family can be pretty competitive. Especially the grown men.

I even got in on a game of PIG and beat Michael. That made me slightly proud.

Nap time for these two little boys.

There was a five mile paved bike path that we used a few times.

The scenery was so beautiful and the company was equally wonderful.

We only wish we had more access to bike baths like this where we live.

After one of our bike rides, we stopped for a dessert.

Another food run one evening. 

This was the night we discovered the famous raspberry shakes. 

We got a few of those while we where there...

We went on a tour of the Minnetonka Cave one afternoon.

It was absolutely amazing and the kids did awesome. It was quite a cold, steep hike.

    

(from Shel)

  

(from Shel)

After the caves, we drove to Bloomington Lake. It is a glacier lake off the beaten path.
What a fun and beautiful place! It was a short hike for such an amazing place.

There was a giant rope swing, which a lot of the older kids didn't hesitate using right away.

And then Michael led the way for the adult men.

 The younger kids had fun playing in the water too.

 

(from Shel)

The hike out was absolutely beautiful.

We couldn't resist picking some wildflowers for a bouquet.

What a beautiful way to end such a wonderful vacation.