Bear Lake 2019

The Fortie reunion at Bear Lake was a blast! This place holds so many memories for me and I love making new memories with my family. We hit the road fairly early on the 21st with the intention of soaking in every minute we could. 

I love how Emm has her Cheetah print sleeping mask on:)

 Ironically, we were traveling the farthest and we arrived first. Since we didn't have access to the house yet, we stopped and tested out the lake. 

Once we figured out how to get in the house we went to check it out. We stayed at a different house than we stayed at last year. Closer to town and to the lake.... so beautiful with more than enough room for our group.

The first night everyone trickled in little by little. We had pizza, talked on the deck and played games. I always wish that everyone could make it. We were without Jill's family, Leslie, Sean & Kristy, and Mom and Dad didn't make it this year due to some issues Mom was having. 

It just felt weird not having them there. 

hard-core gamers

 The first morning we hit the lake and spent most of the day there. Ryan's family came up for the day so that was a lot of fun seeing them. We floated, paddle boarded, jet skied, and played in the sand. Kars really took to the jet skies and was happy to take anyone out for a ride. Emmrey and Kole pretty much spent to entire day floating out to sea on the paddle boards. The lake was warmer than I have ever experienced and we decided that we picked the prime time for our trip.

 I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.....

 We had a late lunch (okay really just shakes and fries) at LaBeaus and then hung out at the house for the rest of the night for horse shoes, games and dinner. 

 Lori put together a little Treasure Hunt for the kids. It was close, but the boys ended up finishing first. I think Coop really gave them their edge;)

 Kris planned a Minute to Win-It competition. Good times for sure. Team Blue for the win!

 The next morning we were on breakfast duty with the Weavers. This is Scott's domain. The rest of us just did as we were told. Gourmet waffles, fruit and cream. They were incredibly scrumptious .... and that is saying something since I don't really love waffles.

After breakfast we went for a hike that Shana had recommended.  

 It was a little tricky getting there (rough roads), but so worth it. And the hike itself was very tame. 

  Beautiful wildflowers lined the trail to the crystal clear Bloomington Lake. 

There was a rope swing for those that were brave enough to take the plunge into the glacier-fed waters.

Bailee was the first [and only from the Smith crew] to jump. We weren't quite ready to get her mid air. Her landing was the best we got. 

 After the hike to that lake, we stopped for some lunch (shakes and fries again) at LaBeaus and then headed to THE LAKE for the rest of the day. 

Kars gave lots of rides 

After dinner was more games. One of my favorite parts of our time together. 

The day we left was the 24th of July. We were heading to Logan for a couple of nights so we were in no rush.

Cute little Teegan adoring Bay:)

 We convinced the Weaver's to stick around Garden City a little longer and we rented Surrey's to explore town. 

 It was so much fun! And actually a lot of work to pedal.  Karsyn loved being in the drivers seat.

 After a bite at LaBeaus ... yes again! We said our goodbyes and headed for Logan Canyon. 

Oh how I love you Bear Lake!!