Summer vacation 2011

Summer vacation of 2011 started out with us flying out of Omaha and landing in Spokane, Wa. to visit the Heileson clan. Grandma's raspberries were in full swing so we picked and picked, and Keaton would sit and eat a bucket full.  They also had just picked the big sweet cherry's off the tree right before we got there, so we had our fill of those too!  The first day we were there was a bit chilly for swimming and skiing, so we all took a boat ride across the beautiful lake to this little ice cream shop and had the biggest and best ice cream I've had in a long long time!  Soooo yummy!

Grandpa's boat is always fun to ride on!  Keaton especially loves Grandpa's boat! 

Keaton and Grandpa!  I love this picture!

The beach at the Lake House, is always fun!  Amber was so happy to be back there in the fresh air!

Bret is looking good as always, kicking back and letting some one else do the driving. Enjoying his break from all the sick people in Harlan.  Notice the sweater.  It was chilly on the boat and was a nice change from the 90+ degree weather we had just come from. 

Amber braved the cold water when the sun finally came out, and again did a brave thing by getting in the tube with Uncle Kevin!  Grandpa gave them the ride of a life time!  I wouldn't have done it.

Bret also braved the cold water to go skiing, but he did use a little help with a sexy wet suit!  The water was still pretty cold, and Bret was very funny as he was getting in!  I have a video of it.  Pretty funny.  I'll try to put that on here sometime.  :)

My boys love the beach and love making tunnels and dams and all kinds of things in the sand.  They even went swimming a little.  I usually go too but because of all the cold weather and rain they've been having the water temp was only 60 degrees.  I like my lake water a bit warmer than that. 

It's amazing to me how kids can deal with cold water so much better than adults.  This dock has been the scene of many flips and dives and jumps from our family.  Only not to much of that happened this year.

Grandpa and Grandma got some kayak's and we had to try them out!  Bret and Ben went out in them, and also Sam took a turn.  On Saturday Kevin and Jennie joined us and we had warmer weather, so a day at the lake was a must.  Lots of good food, family, a beautiful lake, a wonderful boat to take rides on, what more could you ask for. 

Amber wanted a picture near the Spokane Temple, so here it is.  She loves Temples and takes every opportunity to go visit them.  I guess Grandpa thought she could handle driving the boat for a bit as well.  She was so very excited and did an excellent job!!