The Poconos

Its so strange to now have older children. Instead of dragging them along to whatever we're doing, we have to reserve them in advance! My sister Amy spent hours and hours searching for a week of vacation that would work for her family...something that would work for a wide range of ages and interests. She settled on a lakefront house in the Pocono Mountains, PA. They extended the invitation to us and our kids quickly, and with enthusiasm, agreed. It was the last full week of summer, so we had it to look forward to for a while. We've done so much life together and we're intertwined through work and church. Its such a blessing being family and friends.

It was the first time in this area for both of us and its very pretty there. The house we stayed at was in a quiet area and we were right next to the beach area, which had a playground and basketball and volleyball courts. 

The negative to the place is that it's part of a Home Owner's Association. A reviewer said it well: the HOA is aggressive about dealing with perceived infractions. It's hard to explain how ridiculous the rules were and how quickly they were in action to check or scold or warn. Our group had an interest in being familiar with the rules and trying to follow them, but there was no bottom to the list of rules. It was so over the top that it was (and more so will be) comical. It would not be surprising if, unbeknownst to us, we had been cast in a reality TV show.

However, the good far outweighed the bizarre. There was just enough to do in the area that each day could have a little outing, but not so much that we felt like we needed to be on the go. As family time goes, it was the perfect gathering place and we were together often in the kitchen/living room for games and hanging out. 

There was swimming, fishing, sunsets, walks, varying levels of hikes. The kids made several excursions to "town" (Walmart shenanigans not pictured). Trevor learned how to take a fish off the hook and Renna and Amanda fed bread to wild deer out of their hands. The mornings were slow, the nights were late. Laughter was abundant. So, so grateful for time with these people and memories made.

The whole "kid" crew, though there are more big ones than small, some of them married, pregnant, with careers, Renna as a middle schooler being the youngest. We noted that its the last trip for a very, very long time to not have to work around naps or hear, shhh...the baby's sleeping! (though we're thrilled that will be the case soon!!).

Some went to explore a sweet little downtown, others stayed to fish and kayak.

The "before" of our family-friendly hike/walk. Even though the route was easy, we were treated to such beauty along the path and the weather was perfect.                                                                                                       

...the "after", our entire group intact.

Colombo, Shaun, Nathanael and Mason set out early and logged a 10 mile hike with gorgeous views!

The group took a tour of the Poconos Raceway, where Nascar is held once a year. They said their tour guide was both knowledgeable and passionate.

I bugged everyone to throw on a non-graphic shirt on so we could do a couple pictures, maybe 10 minutes start to finish, but then since we were all gathered at the playground, they played. :)

There was a steady rain shower most of this day, so we kicked on the fireplace, did the hot tub and played tons of games inside.