Boating and Tubing

Since we didn't have a boat to bring down with us to the lake, we did the next best thing- rent one for a day! Eric found a great deal that allowed us to rent one for 24 hours. And we knew just how to spend those 24 hours- tubing!! We took the boys last year and they all loved it! When the guys went to pick up the boat, the only tube they had was one where you lay on top of it, as opposed to the ones where you sit inside. I wasn't really sure how they would do with it, but they seemed like professionals!!

Our lake house sat tucked back in a cove within a cove. The big cove was the perfect place to take the kids tubing. Not too rough of waters and not a whole lot of boat traffic. Just enough to make some bouncy waves to ride! 

Mason, Luke, and Grant all couldn't wait to take their turns! They all held on for dear life and grinned from ear to ear!

 Wyatt sat in the tube with Mason last year and he said he wanted to go again this year, but I was a little hesitant because of what kind of tube it was. But if he wasn't scared, then I wasn't going to be either! He hopped on and grabbed on. Eric drove very slow, hardly making a wake. The whole time we could see Wyatt talking to Mason. We were all wondering what in the world he was saying. He seemed to be smiling the whole time, so we weren't too concerned. So once their turn was over and we pulled them up, I asked Mason what Wyatt kept saying. Mason said, "Wyatt kept saying, "This is the best vacation ever!'" It was so cute!!! He loved it and was VERY proud of himself!!

 Next up were the grown ups. Now, for the kids its all fun and games. But for the grown ups, its all about who can get knocked off the tube! And with drivers like our family, anyone is fair game! Chris was up first and he was good! He was even trying to do some tricks out there! No luck in knocking him off!

Then Levi was up. No luck knocking him off either. (I think!)

 Of course no one would dare knock my mom off! She rode the waves pretty darn good for her age maturity!

 And then my turn. Levi was my driver. He told me he was driving just a tiny bit faster than when he pulled Grant, but I'm not so sure thats the truth. I got outside the wake and while that's better for water being sprayed in my face, it was a lot bumpier and I kept tipping as I was trying to get back into the wake. The whole combination left me flying off the tube at some point! Good times though!!

 Sara was up! I don't remember if she fell off or not....did you Sara??

 And Sara is probably more proud of this moment than Eric is, but Sara knocked Eric off during her driving! I just happened to have my camera out! Hope you enjoy your new profile pic Eric!

 And at some point in the day, each family took the boat out alone. During our time to take the boat out, Grant did some tubing with his goggles on. Genius idea!! And Wyatt tubed ALL BY HIMSELF! I honestly thought he wouldn't want to, but he did and he seemed to really enjoy himself! I was just hoping he wouldn't fall off because I can't imagine my three-year old baby bobbing in the water alone as we circled back to get him. So I made Levi drive as slow as the boat could go! And Wyatt did AWESOME!!!! He was so so proud of himself! He tried it again a second time a little while later, but that turn didn't go as well. As Levi got moving, Wyatt must have scooted to far forward on the tube, which made him nose dive on the tube under the water. He never fell off though, but he was crying!! No more tubing for him after that! I just hope we didn't scar him for life!!! But boy, he sure was cute to watch!!

After a day of hanging on the water, the kiddos stayed home with Mimi and PawPaw while the "big" kids headed out on the water for dinner! We hit up Shady Gators and had a fabulous meal and a great time!! I'm pretty sure the entire day made me wish for this lifestyle to be permanent. Not in the fact that I want to live at the Lake of the Ozarks and be on the water all day every day. But to have the opportunity to go to the lake for long weekends. To spend time boating as a family. Eating dinner on the water. That's my idea of a good time!!

A girl can dream!!

Mini-Golfing

Our third and final touristy-activity was miniature golfing! There is a beautiful course that we've always enjoyed going to, and it just so happens that it was right down the street from the lake house! So after a big family lunch at Lil Rizzo's, we headed to golf! It was about naptime and hotter than heck, so I was hoping it would still be enjoyable for all of us! And it definitely was! Sara, Eric, and the boys played a hole behind us and the boys liked keeping each other up to date on their scores!

We've taken the boys mini-golfing in Enid so they had somewhat of an idea what to do, but they were still pretty clueless. Grant likes to take a hockey approach by guiding his ball gently in the hole after hitting it as hard as he can off the tee box. He pretty much got a 5 or 6 (and that was generous!) on each hole! Wyatt used our help quite a bit, but he was a pretty decent putter! He did get a real hole in one on one of the holes, which was pretty impressive! We all had fun and were ready to head back and jump in the lake!

Another lake tradition in the books!!

Go-Carts

Going go-carting is another To-Do at the Lake! Since our house we were staying at was on a completely different side of the lake than we are used to, we tried a new place that was closer than the one we've always gone to. And it was a good thing we did too, because they had a Junior Race track for our little boys to do! Well, except for Wyatt! Poor little guy can't catch a break on the size chart! 

So we all watched as the bigger boys raced around the junior track! Luke's grin was hilarious- he seriously could not have been happier! Grant was his typical self, looking all around without really watching the "road" (he drives like his dad!), but his smile never left his face! Mason led the way! I think they were all quite proud to drive by themselves!

After the junior track, we headed to the adult track where we all got to race! I was with Wyatt, Levi was with Grant, Eric was with Mason, and Mimi was with Luke. Levi and Eric got the fastest cars, while Mimi and I pulled up the rear. Actually Mimi got lapped by Eric! I probably would have, had we had another lap! They like to think it was the driving skills, but we know that's not quite the case! But to hear Wyatt's giggle and laughter throughout the entire ride was HILARIOUS!!! The kid has a laugh that is non-comparable!! It's definitely a laughter bigger than his size! 

Another fun tradition checked off the list! 

Bumper Boats

We are all about the fun activities the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer!! Where else can you do bumper boats, then drive down the street to do go-carts, and then a drive down the street and mini-golf? It's a child's play place...well grown-ups too!!

These faces definitely look like they're ready to play!!

 We headed to Le Mans Family Fun Park to do their bumper boats! Luckily Mimi came with us so she got to ride with Wyatt while I was the photographer!! Mason made the cut-off to drive alone, so he was super excited about that! The boys (both big and small) and Mimi had a great time driving around, bumping into each other! Grant squeeled with delight the ENTIRE ride! Wyatt smiled and smiled! Once Mason figured out how to stop spinning in circles, he was a big fan too! Luke kept asking when they were done, but I think he had a good time anyway! As I watched for the 7 minutes or so they were on the boats, I wished I was on there with them getting splashed from time to time because it was HOT!

Even though it was hot, it was time to drive down the street and head over the Go-Carts....

Silly Fun with Cousins

One thing my boys love about going to the lake is spending an entire week with their cousins, Mason and Luke! These boys love each and other, and because of the distance between us, we don't get to see them as often as we'd like! So the time together is well spent and well enjoyed! Grant really wanted to bring silly string to the lake, and although I never got around to finding any, Mimi read his mind because she just happened to bring 4 cans of silly string!! And silly fun they had. I didn't know this was all going on until I came out to get a drink from the cooler and saw them covering Mason! I grabbed the camera to catch the last minute of fun!

I am so thankful these boys got the chance to spend one whole week together! It is my dream for them to all live close, and be more than cousins, but friends! The time I spent with my cousins are some of my favorite memories from my childhood and I hope my kids will have the same!

Fishing at the Lake

I loved fishing at the lake when I was younger. I'd take my little Mickey Mouse pole and my can of corn or package of hot dogs and a few minutes later, I'd have a slippery flapping blue gill on the end of my line. I'm sure my parents hated it because I wouldn't actually touch the fish until well into my pre-teen years!

And while the boys love fishing, they have ZERO patience to actually try and catch anything. They prefer casting and reeling as fast as they can. But that's probably the most appealing to us parents, since that means we don't have any slippery flapping blue gill to take of the line. But its still a fun lake tradition anyway!

Since this was our first year at a new place, on a completely different part of the lake, we didn't quite know what fishies would be awaiting us. As it turns out- not many! The boys didn't catch a single thing...well, except for Wyatt's cheek at one point. No permanent injuries though! Mason was bound and determined to catch that first fish, but no such luck!! But they still had fun trying!!!

Lake of the Ozark State Park

Last year at the lake, Levi was determined to take the boys hiking at some point. They really enjoyed last years adventures, so Levi had planned out a few places to hike this year! One day, he took Grant and Wyatt to Honey Run Trail in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. They loaded up the backpack with water, snacks, and binoculars, of course, and hit the trail! This trail led them to a cave where they got to hold on their own lantern all the way through the "super duper cold" cave (using Grant's words!).  Grant liked carrying his own lantern and Wyatt said his favorite part was when they turned off all the lanterns and everything was pitch black! It was good quality time spent with their dad!

 The next day, Levi was geared up for another hike, but he couldn't quite talk to the boys into it this time. So they decided on heading to the arcade at Miner Mikes! While not as adventurous has a hike, I think they all had a great time (no pictures though). Grant scored the 250 ticket jackpot and together, they had over 500 tickets, which they bought a huge foam ice cream cone ball popper, some bouncy balls, and a piece of candy. More good quality time!!

The next day, Levi asked about the hike again, not knowing that he'd have 4 adventurers ready to go with him! So Levi loaded up all four boys in the pick-up and headed to Fawn's Ridge Trail back at the State Park. I didn't hear much about how this adventure played out, but they were all smiles when they returned, and ready to jump in the lake, so it must have been a hot one!

I'm glad Levi likes to do those types of things with the boys. I'm outdoorsy to an extent, but I really hate being outside in the stifling heat, unless I'm in water! Hopefully my feelings towards the outdoors don't rub off too much to the boys. I guess that's why they have their dad to come to their rescue!! Thanks Levi!! Although I'm sure you enjoyed every second of it!

The Mohawk Group

I guess I should start before we actually headed to the lake....

Levi had decided that the boys needed mohawks for the lake. I figured, if there is ever a time in their lives when a mohawk would be acceptable, it would be at the Lake of the Ozarks! So Friday night, we buzzed them up and I have to say- there were ADORABLE! I can't believe I would ever like it, but I did! They loved them too- their personalities definitely mirrored their haircuts!!

And they were so convincing, that just two days into the trip, my sister was persuaded into letting Eric cut Mason and Luke's hair! Her boys were beyond excited!!! 

So, our motley crew of mohawks was born!

But its a good thing school doesn't start for one more month because there is a lot of evening out that needs to be done!!

Well worth it though!

Lake Vacation 2013

The Lake of the Ozarks feels like home to me. Probably because there have only been a handful of years that I haven't vacationed there at least one time in the summer. I'm talking one-handful! There is something so comfy and nostalgic that I can't find anywhere else. It's probably all in the tradition and memories I've made there, but there seems to be nowhere else in the world quite like the lake. (Not that I've traveled the world to know, but I'm just assuming :-) I'm so fortunate that I've been able to pass on to my kids as well. I hope they can look back on our lake vacation someday and feel the same way!

In years past, we've stayed at one of two resorts, both having small quaint old and mildewy vintage cabins. But we decided to try out something different this year- one big house!! A 5 bedroom house to share with our family, my sister and her family, my mom and dad, my aunt and uncle, and my cousin. 13 people under one roof. And a dog.

Could we do it? Would we have fun?

Stay tuned and you shall see.....

Sparkler Cookies

One thing you can always guarantee at Grandma and Grandpa's house is something yummy and delicious for dessert at EVERY meal! Whether it be an ice cream treat from Schwanns, or a special homemade treat, your sweet tooth never leaves unsatisfied! The boys like helping Grandma bake treats from time to time, but this time, they got to help decorate their sweet treats!

Grandma had prepared some star-shaped sugar cookies on sticks for the kids to decorate. They got lathered with frosting with the kids put the red, white, and blue sprinkles all over!

Grant decorated about 8 cookies while taking bites out of at least 4 of them. Smart Grant, to make sure you claimed those cookies as your own! Piper preferred a non-sprinkled cookie, and Wyatt I think just wanted the frosting! But it was a festive and yummy activity the kids are still enjoying!

Oakley Tourists

 Meet Annie Oakly, Buffalo Bill, and Sitting Bull...aren't they so cute!

We headed out to "tour" Oakley while visiting with Grandma and Grandpa! We went to see the Buffalo Bill statue and get a glimpse at the new cultural center. Unfortunately, the cultural center wasn't open, but we got to see the big bronze statue, which is always fun! The boys are always amazed at how big it is! We played around there for a bit before heading to the Fick Fossil Museum to explore everything there. Lots of shark teeth, old farm equipment and relics fill the room. Even though we've been a few times, we always seem to see something new! Grant learned the speckled belly goose is a real animal- there is an Imagination Mover song that says something about a speckled belly goose, so when he found it was real, he was quite amazed!! Wyatt liked doing the dinosaur puzzles at the kiddie table! Being a tourist, no matter how big the town, is always fun!

Levi has this thing about taking pictures of us jumping in front of this statue, and its probably something we will continue to do forever! I think its cute....

 And from our last visit to the Buffalo Bill statue in August 2011...

And just because I can't resist the cuteness from our last "tourist" adventure in 2011...

Grandma's Drive-In

Grandma had apparently been prepping for our weekend visit because she was armed with a super-fun project that was one of the highlights of the weekend!! 

She found four boxes, just perfect for four cute grand-kids, to make their own cars for the drive-in movie! Each car was painted according to a color they previously had told Grandma they liked. Before the actual "movie" started, they had to put their car together, complete with headlights, wheels, and the steering wheel, and then they got to decorate their car with stickers! Grandma even gave them a "wallet" (an envelope) full of real pretend money. Once the movie was ready to start, they had to "drive" to the concession stand to buy their snacks. Popcorn, juice boxes, and fruit snacks each cost $1, which was just perfect since they had $3 in their wallet! They also had to pick up their "speaker" and then drive to their parking spot for the showing of Max and Ruby (Happy Feet wasn't cooperating!).  

The kids got the biggest kick out of it! Piper had to bring her cell phone and Haylie snuck in some ice cream.  Wyatt just started gobbling up his popcorn as soon as he could! Grants legs were a little squished in his car, but he was prepared with his "lawn chair" to sit in! They had so much fun at Grandma's drive-in!! 

The cars were played in for the rest of the weekend and many tears were shed when we left them behind to play with at Grandma and Grandpa's house at our next visit! I guess that means we will get to go to Grandma's Drive-In again soon!!

The Broeckelman Cousins

Each time we get together with the Broeckelman side of the family, we try to get a picture with all the kiddos. It seems to get harder each time, as they all are growing and getting busier than ever!! Even though it takes 100 shots to get ONE good one, its worth it! Because together, they look gosh darn cute!!

I tried my best to get a cute picture of each one alone, but that didn't quite happen, so this was the best of what I got!! They still look super cute no matter how difficult they were! 

And for the two best shots of the day....

 Haylie-3yrs, Grant-5yrs, Collins-5mos, Piper-2.5yrs, Wyatt-3yrs

And even though little Collins couldn't make it in this picture, I just love them standing in the newly harvested wheat field! Grandma and Grandpa's farm is a favorite for all these kiddos!!

4th of July Fun!

We headed to Levi's parents for a fun-filled 4th of July weekend!! It had been since early spring since our last visit, so everyone was very excited for some family fun! We got to the farm late afternoon and headed over to Zach and Breanna's for a BBQ and fireworks! The kids were VERY excited for it to get dark so they could do the fireworks we brought, but they not so patiently kept busy by riding bikes, playing in the rocks, and going for numerous bike rides in Uncle Zach's bike trailer! We had some yummy food and just enjoyed being outside! It was probably in the upper 70's low-80's that evening and it was just beautiful!! Once it started to get a teeny bit dark, we started pulling out the fireworks! I think the sparklers were the most popular with the 5 and under crowd!

We lit off a few more things, like parachutes and some black flying thing that about crashed into the barn next door! Then it was time to head to the front yard to light off the rest of our stash and watch the city display. We also got to witness lots of neighbors doing fireworks as well! The kids got to do some snap pops and drink from the ever-popular Red Solo Cups! I'm pretty sure that cup was the highlight of Haylie's night!!

The city of Oakley put on a pretty decent firework display! After each firework, Wyatt would say, "I think that's the grand finale!" Haylie was commanding the fireworks to do something, we're not quite sure what! And Grant sat and watched with Cuddles, he was a tired guy. 

It was a great start to the rest of a great weekend....

June Instagram

 Summer haircuts, painting in Mimi's "Clubhouse", Thumbsucker, Daddy's mowing shadow, Oklahoma sky, popsicles in the tub, Starkiss, Shirtless Summers, Starkiss!

 Making "juice" in the pool, Mama snuggles, tushy time, Flag Day, Date night, Monster boys, Blue Blanket snuggles, Stylin Wyatt, Brothers playing

Thumbsucker, Wyatt's new "bed", Grant's lollipop, Washing Wyatt's Lovey, highlights, Blue Ice Cream beard, my cutie, sleeping on top bunk, my little monkey man

NKOTB Concert

I have to say, I've been waiting 24 years for this. That's probably the longest I've waited for anything. I missed out on the opportunity to see New Kids on the Block when I was in third grade. My sister got to go, but my mom said I was too young and took me to buy a new toy (I got Cuddles!) instead. I guess that worked out in the end, since Grant and I both loved that bear to pieces. And because I FINALLY got to see NKOTB this past weekend! And let me tell you- waiting 24 years for something really makes it that much better!! I don't think my 8 year old self would've appreciated the concert as much as my 32 year old self!

A bunch of the girls in our squadron started planning this trip back in February. When I mentioned it to Levi, he said, "Are you serious?" He honestly thought I was joking when I said I wanted to go. But he was totally wrong! Not only did I want to go, but so did 7 other girls did too! The concert was in OKC, so we loaded up in a friends car and headed to town, giddy as our 8 year old selves would've been 24 years ago!

The picture of the 3 guys is Boys II Men. The picture of the 4 guys is 98 Degrees. And of course, the 5 guys is NKOTB! Both Boys II Men and 98 Degrees each performed for about 30 minutes. And then there was a short intermission, filled with some rocking 80's/early 90's music!! And then NKOTB took the stage for 2 whole hours!!! They were incredible!! I've only been to maybe 3 concerts in my life, but this was by far the best!! They played every song I wanted them too and did not disappoint!! 

I guess the old saying is true- Good things come to those who wait!  24 years of waiting definitely paid off!! Now, if I can just get Nsync to come back in concert, I'll be complete!

Mini Golfing

The boys have been begging to go miniature golfing at Meadowlake Park since LAST summer!! But since last summer would've melted us right on the greens, we never made it! But we decided to head up there last night since it was a beautiful 79 degrees!!! It wasn't crowded and we made it around all the holes without having to stop! 

The boys have NEVER played golf of any kind. Sure, we own a Little Tikes golf set, but they really have only used the clubs as bats, hockey sticks, or guns (they are boys, right?!). But golfing has not been their main purpose. So when they went to putt for the first time, neither boy had a clue how to hold their club. Levi was quite puzzled as to how they did not know this! (Probably because their mom barely knows how to hold a club!)  So he gave them a few pointers at the beginning and let them figure it out from there. Grant turned to more of a hockey-style, guiding and pushing his ball to the whole. Wyatt preferred a one handed swing. Either way, they putted and putted until that little ball got in the hole! They LOVED it!! We didn't keep score, but I'm sure they would've been in the 100's if we had! 

We had so much fun and I can't wait to do it again!! Maybe at the lake in two weeks!!!