Bear Lake

Klair's Outfits: 

Swim Suit | Sunnies | Tank | Denim Shorts 

Mine:

Chambray Dress | Swim Suit | Floppy Hat | Sandals | Sunnies 

Utah is a gorgeous place. I'm frequently in awe of the beauty that my home state possesses, and last week was certainly no exception. We ventured up to Bear Lake for a camping and boating trip with my husband's side of the family. Even just the ride up there left us in awe. ...and then we got to the lake. This was only my second time there, and my first time during the summer. It didn't disappoint. We stayed in the quaint little cabin with a porch swing in the photos above, and enjoyed our time at the campgrounds immensely. There was a swimming pool, giant trampoline... thing (not sure what they're technically called) and a playground for Klair. And of course there was the lake itself. We spent lots of time on the water boating, swimming, tubing, and even water skiing. Yes, I tried a form of skiing for the first time ever. I've always been a boarder when it comes to extreme sports--wakeboarding, snowboarding, longboarding. I don't have anything against skiing, it's just the culture I was raised in. I decided to give water skiing a try, and it only took me about eight (hundred) times to get up... but I did it! And I think I stayed up for a whole ten seconds before falling back down. Go me! 

I wasn't the only one to try something new on this trip. Sam went out on the tube, and when asked if she wanted to go with her dad our little Klair said "yes." She bravely hopped on, and let us tow her behind the boat (at a slow speed of course). Although she initially looked terrified, she didn't cry at all and even asked to go again. Talk about a proud moment for this mama. 

Also, speaking of tubing, it was hilarious watching my husband, his siblings, and his dad on that thing. They (of course) took it upon themselves to try and throw each other around with the ultimate goal of making the rider fly off. It was hilarious to watch. Sam's little sister surprised us all and out lasted all of the men in the family with their muscles and determination. She caught more air and managed to stay on longer than anyone... and she kept wanting to go. It was girl power at it's finest. Haha! I'm so glad we were able to have such a fun time with our family! 

Before going camping, I had a bit of a cold. Once we got home, my cold came back with a vengeance. Apparently I over extended myself. I therefore spent the remainder of my weekend in bed. My sweet husband took care of Klair so I could rest and try and sleep this thing off. Despite the (lingering) sickness, as I look back on the past week I can't help but feel blessed. We had such a wonderful time up at Bear Lake! And, even though I would have preferred my weekend to end differently, I have an incredible husband who takes amazing care of me. That is something to be grateful for. 

I love this man. 

Bear Lake Weekend Getaway

Sam and I spent a relaxing weekend in a cabin at Bear Lake with some friends. The lake is several hours from where we live, and it made for a fun little road trip and a much needed getaway; however, it was the first time I've spent time away from Klair (Sam travels for work so he's used to being away from her). This was both a good thing, and a hard thing. Apart from one time that she spent the night at her grandparents, I've never slept apart from her. Leaving her for  three days was something I looked forward to, and dreaded. It's funny how a person can experience such polar opposite emotions simultaneously. I knew that if we brought her, it wouldn't feel like much of a vacation. I would have been doing the same thing I always do, but in a place that wasn't baby proofed. Giving her to Sam's parents for the weekend was the only thing that made sense, but sound logic didn't make it any easier.

Luckily, Baby Girl has amazing grandparents who love her dearly, so I knew she was in good hands. This helped ease my reluctance at leaving her, but the separation was still a strange experience. Yet, despite my anxiousness at being apart, I did fairly well. I'll admit that there were a few times that I would have jumped in the car and driven home on a whim if Sam was game, but all-in-all I enjoyed the baby-free time. I also found solace knowing that she was being spoiled while I was away. And, let's face it. Sam and I needed some distraction-free time together.

it. was. nice.   

Our cabin was a big, awesome place fully equipped with a gourmet kitchen, pool table, movie theater room, and a spectacular view of the lake.

Sam was the one who found it, and he did a great job planning everything and putting it all together. I had expressed interest in doing a trip like this, and he immediately started planning and went above and beyond. I suppose it's just one of the perks of being married to a man who spends a lot of time doing event marketing. I really am spoiled.

We arrived Friday and got settled just before a blizzard set in. Perfect timing. 

The weather was ideal for sitting around the fire, playing games, watching movies, and enjoying good conversation--which is precisely what we did. We also found some time to take some scenic drives, hikes, and a few pictures along the way. Our photographer friend Jesse Wride brought his camera and was kind enough to take lots of photographic evidence of our adventures.

All of the photos in this post (with the exception of a few from Sam's phone) are his handiwork. 

It was windy, yet somehow my hair was the only one affected. Apparently I need to ask these girls what kind of hairspray they use. 

The group celebrated Brittney's birthday at this awesome local restaurant we found. She's the cute blonde in the corner, and you can follow her blog here. 

The trip was a huge success. I was able to relax, spend some quality time with Sam, and strengthened some friendships. I also spent just enough time away from Klair to mix things up and make me excited...no, ecstatic to get back to her. And, of course, the lake was beautiful.  Apparently it has a minerals in it that aren't found anywhere else in the world that turn it a unique blue.

It didn't look real. 

I had never been to Bear Lake before, but now I definitely want to go back.