If it seems like we’ve been traveling a lot lately, it’s because we have! Weddings, holiday weekends, and now a family reunion. All fun things though, so who can complain?!
Every year of my life I’ve spent the second weekend of June at the Lake of the Ozarks. It’s a long weekend that our family simply refers to as “The Lake”. The Lake is about hanging out at the pool, dinners together by the water…arcade games, gummy worms, coolers full of beer, sea-doo rides, rice krispy treats, and of course, family. So basically…it’s awesome.
Before writing this I went back to look at my posts from past reunions (2010, 2011, 2012)…and let me just say, this is a prime example of why I love blogging. Seeing how my nieces and nephews have changed from year to year never ceases to amaze me. Not to mention, we’ve added a couple precious new additions along the way!
So you know what happens now, right? I overload you with pictures–because that’s just what I do after I’ve been hanging out with my family for more than an hour 😉
 |
| Who can resist a photo op like this?! Don’t worry–it didn’t come home with us 😉 |
 |
| The cousin slumber party on night one. Can you believe they actually slept?! |
 |
| It melts my heart to see how much my nieces love Arden. |
 |
| You see what I mean?! |
 |
| The lake wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the outlet mall. And the contortionist baby was a bonus 🙂 |
 |
| Heading up to the pool! |
 |
| A luke-warm hot tub makes for the perfect baby pool…as long as you try not to think about all of the pee 😉 |
 |
| She’s always content sitting on Papa’s lap. |
 |
| Somebody get the butter! Just kidding–he wasn’t stuck long 😉 |
 |
| Buddies. |
 |
| Lots of love for Arden. |
 |
| This picture makes my heart happy. |
 |
| This one too 🙂 Our first family pic at the lake. |
 |
| Arden got to try out a big girl seat during our trip! |
 |
| And another big moment…her first “pony” ride. |
 |
| These kids… |
 |
| When it was all said and done this little lady was spent! Isn’t that sleepy face just so kissable?! |
As usual, saying goodbye sucked. But what a great, great weekend with the Gower crew…I’d even go as far as to say it was the best one yet.
Thanks for the memories, Ozarks…we’ll see you next year!
 |
What a great family tradition! So cool you get to pass those memories on to your children
Looks like so much fun! 🙂 Little Arden is precious!!
this looks like such an amazing weekend. and all the cousins are SO CUTE (they totally love arden!!). i love all of arden's big baby smiles. Shes so sweet!!
Looks like sooo much fun!
What a fun weekend! I'm a new follower! I have a little girl too!
scarlettmoonblog.blogspot.com/
Also, I saw that you are from Kansas! So am I, we just moved back from Dallas. We live in Prairie Village. Do you still live in Kansas?!
Hi Ashley! Yes, I'm from KC! We're in Houston now but all of our family is back in Kansas. Oh and I lived in PV for 2 years after college…love that place! I'm following your blog now too. Scarlett is a doll! 🙂
What an awesome family! I love that y'all do that every year & it's obvious the love everyone has for little Arden. Too precious!