Banks Lake 2012

Our annual trip to Steamboat Rock State Park is our favorite part of the summer. We spend ten days camping in the sunshine and playing in the water and sand. This year was no disappointment. The weather was a little volatile (one storm had over 60 mph winds!) but we made it out unscathed. We had an amazing time continuing old traditions, like movie night in the boat, breakfast in the boat, Mexican dinner, hiking Steamboat Rock, rock jumping, cousin photos on the beach, and more. We also began some new traditions: Sunday service in the boat and family pictures on the tree. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful time with our family each year! We also had some visitors: the Bonnell family, the Topliff family, the Shuck family, and Grandpa and Grandma Keene. Between family and friends, we were busy.

JT had the trip of a lifetime. He learned to pedal his bike, swim in deep water with his life jacket on, and chew gum without swallowing. He started reading Magic Tree House chapter books at bedtime. He asked to ski behind the boat and tube with his friends and loved both. He spent countless hours in the water every day.

Haley enjoyed playing in the sand, riding her tricycle, and walking in the water up to her knees. She was not interested in swimming, tubing, skiing, or other water sports. There is time to convert her. 🙂

There is too much fun to write about, but I will sum up with captions below.

Haley napped each day in the shade of the tree on her cot.

JT took a few practice sets on the beach before

Aunt Gena and Uncle Jeff in the boat

Haley’s favorite pastime

The first of our visitors: JT’s friend Brady

Jim in his favorite spot :the boat.

JT fell asleep in the bow – still hanging on to the handle

JT’s favorite spot: in the water

Aunt Gena conquers Steamboat Rock

JT hiked over half the trail on his own, and Jim carried Haley in a pack

Cousins’ view from the top

Haley enjoyed skiing on the beach but didn’t want to try it behind the boat

Sweetie pies 🙂

Ali and Haley

Haley and Mom

Boat smooches!

So silly…

Roll Tide!

JT and Uncle Jeff: Go Army!

Coming back from a walk down the beach

JT’s big smile after pedaling his bike all by himself

On a bike ride with Dad

Boat naps

Swimming with Dad

Skiing behind the boat

My handsome men

Preston’s turbo tubing

Badmitton tournament

Early morning runners’ picture

Good morning in the tent!

JT enjoyed a ride in the Shucks’ canoe

Family pictures on the tree

Going into town for dinner

This is how JT and Haley got to the beach – “you want it, you carry it”

Sunglasses are a must

Morning ski run

JT tubing

Dinner in the boat: Jim took his in the tube

Ladies’ rock jump

Preston’s rock jump (!)

Annual girls’ boat trip picture

Preston gave Grandpa and ride in from the boat

Evening ski

We were all set to take a family picture… until the sprinklers came on!

JT and Haley riding bikes

Popsicles on the beach

Swimming in the warm water

JT on the rope swing

The ride home: relaxing in the passenger area while Preston drives There’s more… click “older posts” to continue!