Broken Bow

At the end of June, we took a fun vacation with all of my family to Broken Bow, Oklahoma!  It was our first vacation with all 16 of us and we had such a blast!

We rented a beautiful cabin in Broken Bow and were just minutes from the Beavers Bend State Park and lake.  It is such a beautiful area.   The cabin was amazing - it had 5 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.  It worked out perfect for our 4 families! 

My Dad was able to borrow a brand new pontoon from his work so it worked out perfect!  We went on some great pontoon rides around the lake and the boat came with a big intertube/chair that we had fun tubing on with the kids behind the boat.  The weather was absolutely perfect with highs in the mid to upper 80s.  It really couldn't have been any better given the fact it was the end of June and early July!

One day everyone went canoeing with the big kids.  So Mom and I stayed back with Sarah, Joseph and Andrew.  We went on a fun little train ride that takes you on a little loop through part of the state park.  Then we went across to the street to a little playground they had.   That afternoon when everyone got back, we went for a one hour horseback ride!  I decided to go with Joseph while Michael stayed at the cabin with Andrew. I was a little unsure about how Joseph would do, but he did great and had a blast!  I could tell when his legs started getting sore from sitting on the saddle though.  Our horse's name was Buck and was so pretty!

On another day, the guys went fishing one morning with all the big kids.  They didn't have the best of luck though.  Then us girls met up with them for some more time on the pontoon.  Michael and I took turns staying with Andrew at the cabin.  It was definitely a little tricky having such a little one on a trip like this.  We weren't quite ready for him to be out on the pontoon where it was so windy, etc.  But we worked out a good trade off that allowed us to take turns going out for activities.   Our last afternoon there, we decided to go just our little family to spend some time together while everyone enjoyed the pontoon during the afternoon.   So we went us 4 to the little swimming area in the park where they also have paddle boats, mini golf, etc.  We took turns doing the paddle boats with Joseph. He really liked it - he especially loved to do the little steering bar.  Unfortunately, he only liked to steer right so it was a whole bunch of work to just sit there and do circles!  :)

We had a wonderful time on our vacation with my family! It was such a blessing to all be together and make such special memories!

After church - a group pic in front of the pontoon before getting on the road to Oklahoma!

Our Cabin - Winding Creek Lodge

The boat!

Inside the cabin

So nice!

Driving thru the state park we saw so many deer - look at this doe and her little baby deer trailing behind.

Gathering around the campfire our first night

The girls!  If we are extra squinty it was because the flash was SO bright in the nighttime

Michael and Oscar hitting the hot tub

First day on the pontoon - Joseph was ready to drive with Grandma!

Fun with the kiddos

We went for a swim out in the middle of the lake where you can't touch. I figured Joseph would be afraid since he had never worn a life jacket before but he had so fun and was full of smiles and giggles

Swimming with my buddy

Driving with Grandpa

Pretty lake!

Michael, Oscar and Jim going for a tube ride

Joseph helping Grandpa build a campfire

The boys grilling some dinner

Getting ready to eat inside

Andrew's little admirers!  He did SO great on the trip and was such a sweet happy baby!

Little Luke with the rest of the gang doing s'mores

Me and my fella

Me and Dad

Sweet Roo Roos

Nuzzles with Grandpa

Dominoes and candy when the kids hit the sack!

Joseph and Sarah having a snack on the front porch while everyone was on the canoe trip

Waiting for the train to arrive



Choo Choo!



Fun on the playset

We got such a good family pic using Kat's tripod!

Joseph and Luke at the stables



Some excited kiddos with the horses

Me and Joseph on Buck

Whoa - we're moving!

Saddled up and ready to go

In the horse line through the trees

Up the big hill

Our little silly boys

Michael and Joseph on the paddle boat

Enjoying the shade with sweet Andrew

Mommy's turn!

Time for a snowcone break

The water in the swimming area was freezing!   I gladly stayed ashore with Andrew.  ;)

Another train ride!

Me and Kat went tubing with Joseph and Sarah.   Joseph did so good! In fact, I had to tell them to stop our ride because he was starting to fall asleep!