Our Mini Lake Summer Vacay

Well, about 2 weeks ago, middle of July, we made a trip to Missouri, this time to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks to visit with Eric's friend, Brannon and his sweet family. We left on a Wednesday afternoon and arrived late that evening. We had taken little Bella to the vet that morning and she made the car ride too. She did so good! I drove the first part of the trip and then Eric finished up. It begins to get quite curvey and hilly, and I don't do that well, especially at night. Once we arrived, we were all pretty tired and went to bed soon after getting there. We didn't do too much while we were there... stayed out on the water, did some shopping and of course, ate some good food. We stayed at the dock most of the time, just floating in the water. Bella learned to swim well while we were there. She took after the bigger labs, Autumn and Summer. She also had fun playing with their little mini dog, Nixie. They chased each other a lot. We played on the wave-runners and went out on the boat one day. I wake-boarded and Eric attempted. Bella even came out on the boat; she had a blast!




The first night we were there, we drove to meet Melissa's cousin and family for dinner at a BBQ place on the lake. After that, we went to the outlet malls, but didn't have much time before closing; however, I did do a little damage. We then came home and ended up watching a 'Journey' concert on DVD on the big projector screen. We were warming up for September, when we go to the concert.



The next day, the gals got up and did a little shopping in town at a few little shops. I ended up with a new bathing suit and even got Eric a Mizzou dip chiller! He was so pumped! When we returned, it was just another day on the lake and a relaxing night at home. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with some other yummy food, chilled out in the hammock on the deck and just chit-chatted.




The next day was our last day. We just enjoyed the lake again and then went for dinner at Coconut's on the lake. We took the boat there and back. That is where we went last year too!


When we got back from dinner, Eric and I decided we would go out onto the dock for a late night fish. Little did I know I would be catching some fishies! Eric baited my hook and I caught 2 fish! One little blue gill and then one catfish! The catfish was my second one and it seemed so big when I was pulling it in, probably because I was using a baby pole, but needless to say, it was fun and a good laugh too!

We can't wait to go back again and visit! It was such a great get-away and we had so much fun! Thanks to the Howse family for having us!!!

Red, White & Blue

Well, over the 4th of July weekend, we were quite busy. Friday afternoon we left to travel to Missouri to see Eric's family for a few days. It was Bella's first car trip too. And she did pretty good, actually. We only made one stop on our way there, and that was for me. (to get some chocolate) Ha! We made it late afternoon and was welcomed by Brenda, Eric's mom, so lovingly and open-armed. We caught up with her for a little then went up about 45 minutes to Cape Girardeau to meet his brother, Ryan, for dinner. he had just gotten off work. We ate dinner at Logan's Steakhouse and then went to Target and back home. When we got home, Keith, Eric's dad, had just arrived shortly before us from traveling for work all week. It was nice to have the whole family under one roof, even for just a minute.

Saturday morning we got up bright and early with little Bell. We all just kind of laid around. Keith cooked his usual yummy breakfast then we got ready to head out. We traveled to Poplar Bluff for the afternoon to visit Eric's grandmother. She was just recently placed in a nursing home after falling and breaking her leg. She had surgery a few weeks back but just hasn't been doing well since. It was the first time I had met her and that Eric had seen her since we were dating. She was such a sweet little lady. She seemed so pitiful, but still had a good bit of wit to her :) Eric showed his love to her with hugs and I love you's. It just broke my heart. He truly is a family man and loves his family dearly. Made me think back years ago when my Cokie, my grandmother, passed away. I never really got to say goodbye to her and I so wish I could have. We came back for the evening and hung out again at the house. The boys helped their dad mow the yard and Brenda and I began to watch 'Steel Magnolia's', prior to me falling asleep. We ate pizza and watched TV for the rest of the night. Just chilling and relaxing.

Sunday, we got up and went and got some breakfast at a place called 'Jay's.' Then we were off and on the highway, headed to Blytheville, AR for the day. We went and visited with The Long's and the rest of the crew at their pool for the 4th of July get together. We had some good food- dips and chips, ribs, corn, wings... Yummy! We only ended up staying the day and came back late that night. It was fun and good to see close friends.

Monday was the actual holiday. We slept in and lounged around for the morning. We did some chores around the house and got a few things done. We had El Porton for dinner and yummy Yogurt Mountain for dessert. I know, not a typical July 4th dinner, but ours was the night before. Needless to say, we enjoyed our relaxing holiday.

(No pictures from our weekend getaway, unfortunately. I just wasn't too "picture happy." Ha!! I will do better next time!) :)