Doing all the Moon Lake things

This is one of my favorite views. Right out the door of our little cabin. Breakfast cooking and the sun shining on the lake 💕

We planned to go on a horseback ride this morning. We had hoped that Ethan would be here with us, but he had some car trouble on the way up last night and didn't get her in time. Halli came along with us in his spot. 

Everly was NOT feeling confident about being on that horse. The only reason she ended up coming was the guide taking her horse on a lead line. 

And there was really no other choice. We were all heading out on horses and we couldn't leave her behind. 

That's a nervous look. 

There was a forest fire a couple years ago. The vibrant green saplings, the black trees and the bright blue sky were tragic and hopeful. It's so sad that all of those tall pines burned. It will be decades before they replace the old growth. But they will. 

We had to be careful not to let the horses pass to close to the burnt trees. The remaining branches were like knives. 

It was fun! I think we'll go again next time and see how much the saplings have grown. 

We spent some time down at the lake. Lara had a floating chair she wanted to try out. 

So, naturally, she stood on the beach and held a rope so the little girls didn't drift away. 

Meg and Laney found a quiet spot to do some sketching.

And Ethan finally arrived!! He wasted no time setting up a questionable target practice out the front door. He never got caught, so it must be ok!

Back down to the beach for a little hole diggin.

Some wildflowers from my firstborn pup!

Showing the cousins the wonders of color-flame packs!

Redneck's got redneck...

It was Kaira's night for a treat and she introduced us all to mango coconut rice. 

Live changing!! 

And the perfect ending to the perfect Moon Lake day. The sound of the heater making me feel perfectly happy. 

Rosemary Beach: Day 4/5

 Our final two days were all about bike rides and souvenirs. We ventured out a couple times.

A few things stood out.

1. Rosemary Beach is like a postcard. The reality lives up to the photos. 

2. Cobblestones will always be adorable.

3. Bikes are fun. Bike baskets are more fun.

4. Inlet lakes can be beautiful and full of alligators all at the same time

5. Souvenirs are best left in the shop. They will not assimilate into Kansas decor.

6. Onion Rings should not be shaped like donuts

7. Ice cream is the only way to say goodbye to a beach vacation.

8. I love my family (and I really miss Mathew)

This one was a winner! I predict another Rosemary Beach vacation in our future!

Rosemary Beach: Day 3

 We spent the day on a double decker party boat!

Mark and Aidan rockin the boat

Feeding the seagulls!