When Friends Gather

Earlier this month, we gathered with two other families at a lake house for a long weekend. The guys are in a men's group with Chris but the wives are also friends (who would like to spend more time together). There were six adults and four children (William and Stephen were the oldest); it was a gorgeous weekend and the only schedules we followed were nap times.

There wasn't exactly a beach (and the water had green algae) so fishing was the main sport at the house. We brought an inflatable kiddy pool which was a huge hit with all four kids; they loved splashing and filling up cups and pouring them in the grass (don't worry, it needed watering). We brought bubbles which were also a huge hit. I hadn't expected them to be so easily entertained!

William begged to fish the entire time and spent most of the time either on the dock with the men or inside reading a book. He didn't catch anything, but Colin caught two bass. This was William's first time ever fishing so it was very exciting and all his imagination play was centered around fish for days! Overall, both the boys did so well on the trip! There were a few more wake-ups at night but they napped like champs and were in decent moods the whole time. They even napped in the car! Whew!

For the most part we stayed at the lake with the exception of me going on a walk with one of the girls one early morning and then all of us going to a winery before dinner. In the evenings after the kids were in bed we brought out the board games and cocktails. It was so much fun.

The last time I had that amount of fun and relaxation was before we had kids. It was so wonderful. I didn't expect it to go so well (especially since Chris had to work from there one day), but it was a blast. No schedules, just hanging out with friends, playing with babies and not really worrying about anything (except said babies climbing on the dock). I thank the men for spending so much time with William and giving me a little break! I'm so grateful he has such great role models in his life.

Will have to do it again!

Earlier this month, we gathered with two other families at a lake house for a long weekend. The guys are in a men's group with Chris but the wives are also friends (who would like to spend more time together). There were six adults and four children (William and Stephen were the oldest); it was a gorgeous weekend and the only schedules we followed were nap times.

There wasn't exactly a beach (and the water had green algae) so fishing was the main sport at the house. We brought an inflatable kiddy pool which was a huge hit with all four kids; they loved splashing and filling up cups and pouring them in the grass (don't worry, it needed watering). We brought bubbles which were also a huge hit. I hadn't expected them to be so easily entertained!

William begged to fish the entire time and spent most of the time either on the dock with the men or inside reading a book. He didn't catch anything, but Colin caught two bass. This was William's first time ever fishing so it was very exciting and all his imagination play was centered around fish for days! Overall, both the boys did so well on the trip! There were a few more wake-ups at night but they napped like champs and were in decent moods the whole time. They even napped in the car! Whew!

For the most part we stayed at the lake with the exception of me going on a walk with one of the girls one early morning and then all of us going to a winery before dinner. In the evenings after the kids were in bed we brought out the board games and cocktails. It was so much fun.

The last time I had that amount of fun and relaxation was before we had kids. It was so wonderful. I didn't expect it to go so well (especially since Chris had to work from there one day), but it was a blast. No schedules, just hanging out with friends, playing with babies and not really worrying about anything (except said babies climbing on the dock). I thank the men for spending so much time with William and giving me a little break! I'm so grateful he has such great role models in his life.

Will have to do it again!