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 people you love who fill your cup. Being with them feels so comforting; we can completely relax and be ourselves fully.

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. Henry found himself surrounded in a circle by loving and watchful babysitters.

We borrowed a huge 5-person inflatable raft (thank you to our neighbors!), which was so much fun and allowed 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 can’t believe we live so close to such beautiful places tucked in the mountains, trees, and water.

I keep trying to squeeze every drop of summer out of the days. We had originally planned to come to this lake with just our family, but I’m so glad that we ended up coming here with our best friends because it was way more fun to share in the experience with them. I think the deeper truth is I just want to have that connection and 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.