Camp Clark: Summer Vacation Memories

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Summer Vacation Memories

We just returned from a weeklong vacation in N. MN at Arcadia Lodge on Big Turtle Lake. GREAT TIMES!! We couldn't have asked for better weather: it was HOT all week long with oodles of sunshine. We were joined in festivities by the Brigham family (+ Grandma Loretta and Lynn's nephew Cole from Rhode Island) and the Erdman family. Our group included 7 adults and 11 children in an 8 bedroom lodge right off the beach. Our newlywed friends, Carlton and Lorraine, also joined us for a few days/nights and drove all the way from Alabama. The Pichler family who have a cabin nearby also graced us with their presence for a day/night. We thoroughly enjoyed it!!

We brought our boat and new 4-person tube and Jim brought his fishing boat. In addition, we rented a pontoon for a day which just happened to be the hottest, sunniest day of the week. The water was so warm and crystal clear and fun was definitely had by all. We spent LOTS of time swimming, boating, tubing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, jumping on water trampolines and toys, playing in the sand and even skiing. Dave pulled out his old skis and a few of us gave it a whirl. Dave and I were lucky enough to get up on one again (after 20 yrs) so I guess we are not as old as we think! :) Evening bonfires and adult card and board games (after the kids were in bed) were hysterical and competitive. The men even gave the ladies a "night out" so we could enjoy a child-free summer evening at the Eagles Nest Lounge at sunset. We were the only customers and we closed the place down; the manager just left and we had to help ourselves out. It was hilarious!!

The children all got along so well and enjoyed their nightly slumber parties. The 6 boys decided to camp out in one big room and the 5 girls decided to spread out a bit and share two different rooms; all on one level (we decided to keep the varmints together on one level, far away from the parents on the other two levels :)

We took over 400 pictures but only 240 or so made the final cut. Below are just a few photos but feel free to check out the rest by clicking on our KodakGallery link on the right hand side of this blog. There were so many good photos! Of course, that's what happens when you have good friends + super kids + awesome weather = FANTASTIC vacation!!!

Dave and Taylor sharing a laugh