Friends+Vacation=Friendcation.
Last week, we were in Houghten Lake with a bunch of friends. We started going to Houghten Lake every June the summer after we were married and it has been an annual thing ever since.
We basically just hang out on the pontoon boat on sunny days and let the kids create chaos in the house when it rains (only two days out of seven this year). We eat too much and play games when the kiddos go to sleep. Elijah loves getting to see his friends all the time, even if having 9 kids under the age of 6 in one cottage is slight insanity.
Here are some pictures of our fun week (in a completely random order):
Elijah is so happy because he does not know how cold the water is going to be.
Emaline thought that her BFF Brooklynn’s head was a boob.
Eli requested to sleep with baby girl, it was more giggles than actual sleep.
Elijah was always talking about Joe’s boat. He wanted to know where it was at all times and who was on it.
The sand table kept him busy when we weren’t on the boat.
PJ time with Daddy on Father’s Day.
On our first evening boat ride it rained, so we huddled under a blanket. This was our second attempt on the last night and it was beautiful. A little chilly, but so nice.
Sometimes, he decided to cooperate and actually look at the camera when I took pictures.
Because we love selfies.
Blue skies and watermelon on the boat–which was docked at the sandbar. (that is the reason he isn’t wearing a life jacket, mom.)
I’m pretty sure Elijah thought he was rowing the kayak on his own.
PJ’s on the boat before it was in the water.
What a good looking family I have.
The kids had a great time on the boat, even when it wasn’t in the water yet.
My baby girl stayed in the shade on the pontoon.
Eli enjoyed every second on the boat. He pointed out every boat and duck and yelled when he saw sand.
This is what the kids did when it was crappy weather. or when they woke up earlier than any of their parents. or when we needed a second of semi-calm-ness.
Emaline and Daddy napping on the boat.
Addison and Eli “fishing” on the dock with a broken fishing pole.
Yes, that is my husband in the water with a hoodie on.
Elijah thought it was so funny when RJ buried his feet in the sand. He kept telling me “look mama!” each time.
Hammock selfie while Emmy was napping.
I’m pretty sure Emmy enjoyed her friendcation too.
I couldn’t resist taking a picture before I helped him get un-stuck.
The ducks were a big hit with all the kids.
The Ergo was such a lifesaver, Emaline could be cozy and I could have my hands free to wrangle a two year old.
This was his third ice cream of the evening. It was vacation. and I wanted to eat ice cream, too.
Can you tell Eli was up past his nap time? He needed a break from football with daddy.
I think we have a little fishing fan.
Having the kids eat on the porch was the best idea ever.
Eli and his buddy Micah watching the waves.
On our second rainy day, we took the kids to a Burger King that had a play place inside. Elijah wasn’t a big fan of the play place but he was a big fan of the ice cream cone.
I kind of want her to wear bikinis on a daily basis. Emaline looks so stinking cute.
I have such a hard time remembering to get into photos myself, instead of always snapping them. I always regret not taking more family photos, or photos of RJ and I. I know I can’t be the only mama with this problem.
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