It’s been a while since I’ve shared a post full of personal images, but I knew I wanted to document this trip as soon as we confirmed that we could make it! For the last four summers, we have set aside a weekend to spend with some of our best friends from Cleveland! These people have been by our side through it all, and Chris and I are just so thankful for their friendship. It’s crazy to think that the first time we decided to do this, Lucy was the only kiddo around — and now there are SEVEN (well, four really on this trip because three families couldn’t make it this year!). We always come away from our time together feeling so incredibly refreshed. From heart to hearts on the dock, morning boat rides around Gull Lake, shared meals where everyone pitches in, Beersby and Codenames, paddle boards and canoe rides, and more…it was a weekend to remember!

We actually got in super late Thursday night — we thought the boys would sleep in the car, and while Adam snoozed the whole way, Ryan decided he wanted to stay up for all the adventure! Haha! Emily’s lakehouse is on an island in the middle of Gull Lake, so we had to load all of our gear onto the pontoon to get to the house…which Ryan thought was AMAZING! Luckily for us, he fell asleep as soon as we set up our room (even though he was in a way-too-tiny-crib…haha! #oops), and we got to spend our first night with the three other early arrivers, too.

Of course, Ryan was up and ready to go by 6am Friday morning, so we chugged #allthecoffee and explored the island! (Excuse the iPhone photos in this section — I only brought my camera out for a few parts of the trip! Haha!)

It was crazy nice out, so we decided to go for a morning boat ride before the rest of the crew arrived! Ryan LOVED the water and stayed at the front of the pontoon Titanic-style for the whole ride.

Ry LOVED getting to “drive” with Emily!

Everyone else arrived around lunch time, and after an afternoon grill-out the kiddos were asleep again, and we got to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather! Here’s another iPhone sneak peek into the AMAZING “porch” wrapping around the entire home. We spent so much time out here!!

Also, further iPhone proof that he’s the happiest baby ever. :)

Loooooove these sunset views! Most of the crew went out for a late night boat ride, but Jerod and I stayed back with the sleeping kiddos, and I got a few ammmmazing photos of the sky showing off! The first one was with my iPhone, and about 10 minutes later I decided I had to go get my real camera for a shot, too!

The next morning was cloudy & chilly at first, but the sun soon came out for another day of fun!

Post nap-time blankie snuggles!

And then it was time for a lake swim! We had the best weather on Saturday. Once naps were done, everyone slowly made their way out to the lake or dock.

Looove these ones of Lucy jumping to her momma! :)

Our last morning was rainy and cold — the perfect kind of day to snuggle up on the porch while the kiddos played away!

A quick #selfiestick image via Ali before we all left Sunday afternoon — so, so thankful for these sweet friends!