Mirror Lake

With Chris's work schedule and other commitments we all have it has become difficult to find some quality family time and we have really been missing that. Yesterday we loaded up the canoe and kayaks and headed for the mountains. We attempted going to Trial Lake, but it was smaller and more crowded than Mirror Lake so we ended up on Mirror Lake.

As we were getting the boats out and ready people kept asking me where we got those "cute little boats". Some even asked if we could fit two people in them but I explained that the kids paddle their own kayaks. These people were just stunned that two little kids could do that. We had families look at us in complete amazement as they watched Richard and Hannah steer and paddle themselves all over the lake.

Hannah even had a little girl say, "I like your boat. How old are you?" It gives me a little pride but I am just surprised that people are so amazed. I was just raised to encourage your kids and give them opportunities to learn and grow so this is what I know best.

Chris had all of the food with him while he was fishing so here he is getting his line ready and snacking on yogurt.

Hannah wanted to fish so Chris tied her up to the canoe for an hour or so while Richard and I had kayak races and played around on the lake.

After a few hours we found ourselves a nice little picnic area. The kids got to play and splash and Richard even lost a shoe in the mud. We had a nice, relaxing picnic.

After the picnic we paddled back to the ramp, loaded up the boats, changed our clothes, then took the trailer and boats to my Grandpa's property while we went scouting. We were going to hike but after 3 1/2 hours on the water we were all starting to get tired. :)

There was an insanely rocky road that we had to endure but stumbled upon this amazing little lake. (If I were further along in the pregnancy I think I would have gone into labor.) There were signs of deer, elk, and moose all around it but we we only saw a beaver.

It was a difficult task for these two, but the kids sat very quietly for about 30 minutes while we listened and watched for animals to come to the lake. It was so quiet and still that we could hear dragonfly wings flapping. It was really nice.

We had a terrific day but I am paying for it today in many ways. But I am so glad for the time we had together and the memories we made.