Banks Lake 2010

I love Banks Lake!! It's been a family tradition since before I was born... we'd go every summer and play our hearts out. I haven't been to Banks Lake in about 6 years... and let me tell you... it was 6 years too long! It was so fun to share this part of my history with Justin, who had never been, and my two kiddos. We loved meeting Papa and Drew there. Seeing them is the only thing that got Mylie through the 12-hour drive.

We started our journey Saturday night and activities were in full swing within the first 5 mins. That was red flag! :)

Luke even read to himself for some time.. which was nice.

And here was our designated driver...early in the trek.. hence the happy face.

We ended up only making it to Boise that night and decided to call it quits. We had another 7 hours ahead of us on Sunday, but it was all worth it when we arrived.

Papa bought this new beauty right before the trip. Definitely a different ride than our Ski Centurion and we loved it.

Justin took some amazing footage and photos.. here's one of his shots. He's compiling a video and I can't wait for it to be finished. Loving his new obsession.

THE BEACH

This was Justin's first time at the beach with Luke and I think he was a little surprised. This guy loved it!! Every part of it. He'd crawl head first into the waves and wouldn't stop for anything. He loves the sun, water and even eating the sand.

Luke was entertained for hours and loved playing right next to all the big kids.

We brought his portacrib to the beach the second day, which was a genius idea. Sometimes he just needed to get dry... and cuddle with his blanket. He loved his own little space.

He got lots of cuddle time in...

and even some nap time!

Mylie had a blast!! We had a hard time keeping her out of the sun and getting her to eat. All she wanted to do was play play play! She met lots of new friends...all boys! She was the only little girl!

Up close and personal with a lady bug..

Mylie's toy of choice... her watering can. She shared everything BUT that. Funny girl. Apparently, she was growing lots of blue flowers in her garden.

What a trooper.. Justin helping the kiddos with some creation.

This kid loves water.. floatin' with Papa.

I loved playing with my Myles. We had water fights.. twirled.. and I even told her it was okay to pee in the water. She loved that. :) Whoops. Wish I wasn't hurting for the first few days.. could've had more time playing with my girl.

My cute men. Don't think life gets much better than that.

BOAT TIME

I can't even describe how excited I was to get behind the boat again. Ahhh.. my equipment.. my puller... perfect. Our first adventure... kneeboarding... my all-time fav!

My partner in crime...

And happy me. Yes.. I really was that white! :)

Unfortunately, my first run didn't go as planned and I ended up catching some air and doing a face plant on the other side of the wake. I racked my head SO hard. I was out of commission the rest of the day and the next. I couldn't hardly move it. Seriously?! What do ya do. This was in addition to my sinus infection. Fun!

After my spill and back with my babies...Lukers was OUT.

This guy was cheesing about his boat the whole time. So cute! Mylie preferred that Papa drove the whole time. Anytime Drew would drive, she'd protest... quietly. She even protested when I pulled Papa. Funny girl.

I guess Mylie let him pull this time. :) Drew and gf Nicole were so good to my kids. It was so cute. Mylie officially became obsessed with Nicole.

One day on the lake.. this plane looked like it was going to land right next to us. It was SO close. We loved seeing it up close.

Lukers loved driving with Papa... think he's practicing for the future.

I'm so proud of Justin and how fast he caught on to everything. He didn't do any water sports growing up and did awesome. He's only been a handful of times.. but this time it was the perfect combination of puller, boat and equipment. He got up the first try. So impressed.

Love her. Nicole actually took this pic.. that's why Mylie is smiling. She would never smile that easily for me. No.. I'm not bitter at all! :) Still love her to death even though she thinks I'm the paparazzi.

The "new" thing for me this trip was wake-surfing. I love it!!! I was amazed at how much it burned my quads. So fun though!

Justin giving it a whirl...

And Papa too!

Chillin

Drew and Nicole...

and their air!

Luke loved to fall asleep in the boat.

Mylie's been tubing the last few years at Lake Powell but she was extremely hesitant this year. Being the loving mother that I am... I still made her do it.. despite her tears and anxiety. :) I planned on taking her kneeboarding, but I decided not to push my luck after I saw her objection to the tube.

The first try... wrong tube. Water splashed in her face the whole time and she hated it. Funny thing was, we weren't even going fast enough to have a wake.

Second time.. much better! Kid friendly tube.. new company (thanks Nicole) and it was a success! She kept saying.."I love bumps!" Score!

Serious high-fives for that!

CAMP

I love that Coulee Playland was exactly as I remembered it! From the store to the swings... everything was just right.

Luke isn't as big of a dare devil as Mylie was at his age and it just cracks us up. He gets a little uneasy at times. Here he is.. smiling big and holding on tight!

Precious.

Mylie had the best time on the swings... don't let the frown fool you. :)

Papa's turn!

What a fun trip!! We had the best time. Good weather... happy kids... family... doesn't get much better than that. Can't wait to go back.

Thanks for everything Papa... everything. You were too good to us. We love you!