Bear Lake ... about time!

Honestly, we are still in shock that we didn't get up to the cabin this year until the last week of June. We usually go up around memorial day, but this year there was just too much going on. School got out, then swimming lessons, tumbling, and basketball camp happened. But we finally made it and it was good timing. The weather at Bear Lake was about 10-15 degrees cooler than in Salt Lake. And with Salt Lake having a major heat wave of 100+ degree temps. We were glad to get away.

We spent lots of time lounging on the beach, reading, hiking up to Bloomington Lake and up into Tony's Grove, and getting eaten alive by the enormous mosquitos - oh wait, that last one wasn't so much fun. 

Beach Buddies:

 

 

Hiking up to Bloomington Lake: 

Bloomington Lake is a glacier lake and as you can see there was still snow up there. Though it was warm outside the water was still very cold. I love this hike because you are rewarded with lots of lakes & ponds. This is the lower lake. It is pretty shallow but great for floating on a raft or wading onto.

Heading up to the big lake. This is the pond overflow from the big lake.

Bloomington lake is behind the kids. It is so clean and clear. Love it.

 

  

 

 The kids waded into the big lake and despite the cold water, slowly shed layers of clothing until we ended up with this ... Yep, that's how we roll when we don't bring along the swimsuit. Old-school ghetto!

Finley doing a dance, "Moonrise Kingdom" style. 

 

The next day we headed up to Tony's grove. Despite there being a ton of other people (it was the busiest I have ever seen it) we had a good time. Usually we just take the nature hike around the lake, but this time we took the kids up towards the Alpine Lake trail. When they get a bit older (meaning: when Berlin can carry a pack that is twice her size), we are going to hike the 4 miles up and camp overnight. We saw a couple families coming down after having done this very thing and they said it's a wonderful place to get kids used to packing in their own gear/food, rather than just car camping.

My stylish little hiker:

 

   

This time we remembered to wear swimsuits under our clothes. They couldn't wait to jump in after the long, HOT, hike. Unfortunately, down by the water there were a TON of mosquitos and flies. My left ankle had over 7 bites in a 3-inch area that swelled up horribly the next day. Yuck.

 

Berlin took this picture before heading out.

Life is good. So glad we finally made it up.

The BIG 10!

This month Ryan and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. In a way, it seems like we have been married longer than 10 years. At other times it seems like just yesterday. I am so grateful that I chose this man to marry. The past 10 years haven't always been perfect, but I wouldn't want to experience the ups and downs of married life with anyone else. 

We had big plans to celebrate somewhere exotic and fun: Costa Rica, Hawaii, Europe. However, life happens, cars break down, the house needs repairs, etc. So as time went on the trip got smaller and smaller until finally I said, "Bag it!"  Ryan, however, being the great person that he is, knew we needed time alone without the kids and distractions of life. So he planned a surprise weekend away, up in Deer Valley, and had his sister watch the kids for us. It was lovely to just spend time alone with him, out in nature, eating good food, shopping, and just enjoying life. I love this guy for taking the time to plan everything.

Here is a picture tour of our 10-year Anniversary Trip:

Hotel: Goldener Hirsch Inn 

This was our room: The Grand Penthouse Suite. It was just lovely. The furniture was hand-painted and imported from Austria. The hotel is actually modeled after the Goldener Hirsch Inn in Salzburg. I loved this room because it reminded me of the place we stayed in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany. The restaurant was delicious and we ate very well - maybe too well.

Hiking: 

Ryan and I love to hike. We hiked every morning for a couple hours after breakfast, and even did one night hike.

 

 Scenic Observation Deck trail:

The Silver Lake trail to Bald Mountain was beautiful. If you are ever up there, do it - you won't regret it. Just be sure to take the Silver Lake Trail back down from Bald Mountain. We took the Ontario Canyon Trail loop down and didn't like it as much. Just not as scenic and way too much walking along the access road. Or, if you are pooped, you can ride the ski lift down. It is free to those who make the long hike up :)

 

 At the top of Bald Mountain. Hot & Sweaty!

 

Midway: 

We drove over to Midway one day after our morning hike and had lunch at the Blue Boar Inn. It is only 15 years old, but it looks much older than that, and it is also styled after a Swiss Hunting Lodge - super cute. The food was delicious, and if you go for lunch it is much more affordable. 

 

Afterwards we swam in the crater at the Homestead. That was a first for us and was pretty cool.

We finished off our day by getting chocolate dipped strawberry shakes from Dairy Keen for dinner. Yum!

Park City:

Of course we shopped, hit the outlets, and checked out main street. We even took the Park City Ghost Tour. It was cheesy, but we knew it would be and that made it fun. Here is our Ghost Chasing Tour Guide: 

Soccer:

We ended our trip with the US vs Honduras Soccer match at the RSL Stadium. We met up with his sister and her family. This was an exciting match and thank heavens we won!