Payson Lakes

For the last weekend of summer break, we met up with our Dunns at the lake. The recipe for a good day? Just add sun, water, and friendship.

We had lunch together when we arrived: hot dogs, brats, and sandwiches with various treats. The popular snacks with the kids were cheeseballs, fudge cookies, and chips ahoy.

We borrowed a huge 5-person inflatable raft (thank you to our neighbors!), which was so much fun allowing us to be in the water with more people all together. Everyone took turns paddling.

A bald eagle caught a fish right in front of us, and soared just above—it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!

Victoria caught a Big fish while showing Rob that the lake fish like spinners. He and Audrey also caught fish from their canoes. Jack fell back into the water helping L back into the canoe after she fell in. Baby Henry and I went on a nice hike along a paved mile long loop.

At Golden Hour, a mist settled over the lake and created a gorgeous glow. It made for some magical photos. We had just packed up and were ready to leave, but I convinced Jer to go for one loop around the lake on a walk before heading home. The Dunns joined us and we watched for mushrooms and enjoyed the scenery as the sun set.

I keep trying to squeeze every drop of summer out of the days. I think the deeper truth is I just want to have that time with my kids, my husband, our loved ones… it’s been an amazing last hurrah and everyone’s in anticipation for a new school year.