Family Vacation 2012 Part 1

For our vacation this year we went to Trout Lodge, about 90 minutes outside of St. Louis.  We chose this location for several reasons. One reason was that the boys really wanted to go fishing and camping this summer.  Although we didn't really camp out, we stayed in a lodge, which fulfilled the camping requirement on our summer list.  (The list has been modified a couple time now.  Marshmallows, camping, fishing, and mini-golf have been added.)  The other reason is that it is close to St. Louis.  Since we were going to be very active on this vacation, and outside a lot, I was worried about Gwyn.  I didn't want her in the sun and heat all day, but I didn't want to miss out on things with the boys.  Downtown Grandma (my mom) saved the day.  She kept Gwyn from Friday until Sunday, when the two of them joined us for the last night.  (Don't even start to feel sorry for Gwyn.  She loved every minute of her time downtown!)

 

View of Sunnen Lake from our room.

As Kevin and I were bringing things into the room, both boys completely unpacked and put their things away in the dresser. It was pretty cute. Afterwards we walked around to explore.  Kevin discovered putt putt, and vowed to play it every day were we there.  He also informed us that putt putt (or as he calls it - mini golf) needs to be at every vacation from now on.  Before dinner we took a pontoon tour of the lake.  That evening there was also a bonfire (with s'mores).  There were a few silly songs, which Kevin got up to dance with.  He was really having fun!  Colin had fun too, but he had it sitting down.

 

The next morning the boys went for rides on a horse.  They even got hats (which the wore pretty much the rest of the vacation).  Colin loved the horse ride, but Kevin did not want to ride at all.  He was brave enough to get on the horse.  After that, they both met a miniature horse named cupcake.  It was shorter than the boys.