See that cabin up in the woods? That's where we spent our weekend! It was amazing. We went with some good friends: Josh & Nellie, Clark, Kara & Madelyn and Sheldon & Jena, Bailey, Samuel and Khai. When you're getting your "to do list" together, or rather, "to pack list" you sometimes wonder, "is this worth all the work??" BUT, indeed it is! We had one of the best weekends we've had this summer!!
We arrived to a beautiful Lake just waiting to played in!!
We settled in, watched the children play and enjoyed each other's company. The cabin was laid out so well, we all had separate rooms so the kids slept well in their own little space. 
The next day adventure was on the list! We drank hot coffee on the deck swing, read, took naps, Jake and Tyler went fishing, the ladies went for a long walk/run, the kids swam and played in the sand, some of the guys went golfing for a few hours, Josh played his guitar, Sheldon took his kids out on the paddle boat, Jake sat on the dock and fished for hours, Lukie explored, Jena and I jumped off the dock like little kids....basically we just did whatever we wanted to do all day long....here's the view from my morning cup of coffee.....
Later that night we had a delicious dinner off the grill and spent time around the campfire. The weather was so perfect, warm enough to swim during the day and chilly enough to wear a cozy sweatshirt around the fire at night. 
Tyler enjoying his delicious smore!
Sweet, sweet times.
The next day adventure was on the list! We drank hot coffee on the deck swing, read, took naps, Jake and Tyler went fishing, the ladies went for a long walk/run, the kids swam and played in the sand, some of the guys went golfing for a few hours, Josh played his guitar, Sheldon took his kids out on the paddle boat, Jake sat on the dock and fished for hours, Lukie explored, Jena and I jumped off the dock like little kids....basically we just did whatever we wanted to do all day long....here's the view from my morning cup of coffee.....
Later that night we had a delicious dinner off the grill and spent time around the campfire. The weather was so perfect, warm enough to swim during the day and chilly enough to wear a cozy sweatshirt around the fire at night. Tyler enjoying his delicious smore!Sweet, sweet times.
Jena with Bailey and Khai! The kids all got along so well.
Chillin' before naptime with Curious Geroge.
There was a little beach area there as well that all the kids really loved.
Especially my water Baby....Luke loves to lay flat and put his face in the water...
cracks me up! He really comes to life when he's outdoors.
Tyler wanted to jump off the dock, "like Mommy did"...we had so much fun together.
He would run fast and jumped high and long into my arms!
One afternoon, Sam and Tyler played for a long time together in the water. 
On our way home Sunday afternoon we stopped for ice cream at this
adorable little place along the way....
Thank you friends for a fabulous weekend together.
You are easy to be around and a joy to be with.
"Remember this ~
very little is needed
to make a happy life."
~Marcus Aurelius~
Especially my water Baby....Luke loves to lay flat and put his face in the water...cracks me up! He really comes to life when he's outdoors.
Tyler wanted to jump off the dock, "like Mommy did"...we had so much fun together.He would run fast and jumped high and long into my arms!
One afternoon, Sam and Tyler played for a long time together in the water. On our way home Sunday afternoon we stopped for ice cream at thisadorable little place along the way....
Thank you friends for a fabulous weekend together.You are easy to be around and a joy to be with.
Looking forward to more memory making....
"Remember this ~
very little is needed
to make a happy life."
~Marcus Aurelius~
Leraunt made a light appetizer, whole grain bread with his own homemade basil pesto, topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh parmesan cheese.
My friend Gentry, my nephew Mitchell and my niece Christy were the most attentive, kind servers. I am indebted to them. 
They were so professional and efficient and handled themselves so gracefully. Thanks guys!!! Leraunt and my Mom worked so hard in the hot kitchen preparing our food. We were ALL so blessed by their kind efforts. 
Our first course was called "Amuse du Chef" which means to "amuse the mouth" and indeed it did just that. It was one bite on a large spoon, Leraunt's homemade raspberry sauce with melted brie on top. A taste of heaven. I licked the spoon several times and welcomed our guests to do the same! 
The second course, can you figure it out in French? Our menus were in French so that was a special part to the night, trying to figure out what it said. La Salade- Une salade d'été mélangée aux feuilles d'épinards, servies avec l'artichaut, aux noix rôties, aux graines de sésame et uncontact de citron- 
Next Leraunt served us "Amuse Bouche", a palate cleanser. It was a beautiful arrangement of ginger, mint, orange juice and ice. So refreshing. 
We relaxed in the outdoor lounge sipping 
The evening seemed to linger. We had such great conversation, lots of laughter and time on our side. 
And lastly Leraunt and the "team" brought out dessert, the most fabulous poached pear with melted chocolate atop. Le Dessert- Une poire pochée, marinée en vanille et cannelle, avec du chocolat et les baies fraîches à la sauce flambée de cerise. Leraunt flambed all sorts of fresh fruit before our eyes and poured it over the pear. I have no words, seriously, it was THAT good.
We ended the evening with fresh cups of hot coffee, fuzzy blankets, lover in hand and "Gigi" on the big screen outside. 
I have to thank EVERYONE who gave their time, energy and kindness so freely: My Mom, Chef Leraunt Van Loon, my brother Tom for helping me set up, Shrish for keeping the boys, 
And such a thoughtful gift from 