Lake Freeman

We were able to spend a couple of quick, but fun-filled days at Lake Freeman with the Chaplins this past week. This was our first family trip to the lake in several years and Joey's first trip ever to the lake. Benny and I visited the Chaplins 2 years ago when I was pregnant with Joey and Dean was not able to join us for that trip. We were anxious to get away as a family for a couple of days with no access to cell phones or email...which meant I couldn't work and loved every second of it! We had an absolute blast and Joey has found his new home away from home...He LOVED lake life; the laid-back, no rules, easy going, friendly faces on every porch, boat riding, sandbar playing, golf cart cruising, lazy days were right up Joe Joes alley! Ben was in heaven as well, but was also anxious to get back home to familiar surroundings.

Both boys were very well behaved and I wish we could have spent more time at the lake and look forward to future trips. We are so very fortunate to have good friends who let us enjoy their summer haven and Dean and I are hopeful that someday we, too, might have a little house on the lake to call our own. I know the memories made would be priceless...there were several moments I was watching my boys play this week and I stopped and felt overwhelmed by the blessings in my life...it just seems easier to appreciate those blessings in the quiet, stillness of nature, surrounded by God's majesty.

It was hard to choose which pictures to share from the bajillion that I snapped while on Lake Freeman, but here is a random sampling that tells the story of our brief but wild ride:

Joey's first boat ride...

Joey wasn't too sure about it at first, but quickly warmed up, especially when Uncle Michael let him drive!

Ben originally said he didn't want to go on the boat...but clearly loved every minute of the ride once we got going.

We all loved the sandbar...shallow water that the kids could comfortably wade in and play in, and even I didn't mind standing in the lake, as I could see the bottom...for the most part!

Joey and Trey couldn't decide if it was more fun to play in the water or on the boat.

Ben pretended he was a pirate.

During the boat ride home Benny took a picture of he and I

and a picture of Joe and I.

Joey got thirsty and tried to steal my beer...

Benny was too cool in his shades.

We went to Indiana Beach to ride some rides (Joey's first time). Despite the near pained looks on their faces, they really did have a good time!!!

Ben rode on his first rollar coaster! Here he is with Ang getting ready to board, after Ben proudly showed he was tall enough to ride!

Still smiling while in line.

There they go!!!

Daddy and Joe cheering Ben on!

Smiling while coming off the ride, but perhaps not quite as enthusiastically.

Joey decided he was more interested in ice cream than rides!

We had such a great time at the lake...we even got caught in a rain storm during a boat ride that just added to the excitement! Even breakfast was an adveture while at the lake!