Lake Trip #5

You may or may not recall that we take a weekend trip to either Table Rock Lake or Lake of the Ozarks each Spring Break with some of our greatest friends. This year was no different. Well, it was a bit different because Wes and I didn't decide until last minute to make the trip, and thankfully, the low key profile of the group allowed us to take the 3rd bedroom in the villa. So glad we didn't skip out this year. 

We loaded up Friday morning with all four little girls and the three dads in the minivan. I drove Wes' car with the ladies. Because we couldn't check in until 3pm, we went to eat lunch at the Branson Landing and did a little grocery shopping before getting into our beautiful place on the lake. The girls did exceptionally well staying up until 3:30 for naps. (note for future reference: Reese did not sleep that well here. She wasn't bad at all, but she just took forever to fall asleep--we watched her stand and sit in her pack n play for what seemed like hours both nights--and she woke up a bit early in the mornings.) 

The place we stayed has a story of its own that's really only funny to Wes and me. We have passed this place for YEARS on Highway 86, and those of you familiar with the Lampe, Shell Knob, or Golden Kanakuk Kamps have seen this place as well. It was built on the edge of a cliff and on one side of one of the bridges of 86. It seemed to be abandoned and never finished, and we always talked about what it could be because it was a mansion. Well, we hadn't done any of the planning for this trip, so we had no idea where we were going. A few years ago, D'Monaco was established, and it's an incredibly beautiful set of villas overlooking the lake. Becca lucked into a Groupon deal, so we had a heck of a weekend in an awesome location. 

We stayed in the villa on Friday and had DELICIOUS lasagna by Kari for dinner. I made chocolate chip pound cake for dessert. Saturday morning, we had Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Baked French Toast, eggs, and bacon before the ladies spent the day outlet shopping. That night, Becca made INCREDIBLE chicken enchiladas, and the boys spent their second evening in the hot tub telling stories of who knows what for hours. 

Here is part of the weekend in pictures...

Saturday morning play time. Reese and Caroline.

Sarah enjoying the gorgeous weather and our awesome views.

View from our patio.

Coloring in the sun. Sarah and Blair on Becca's lap.

Reese checking out the tree.

Four girls in the ottoman. Favorite play place for sure.

Sweet friends.

Wes was Mr. Cool with the iPad.

Where we stayed.

When did she grow up? (Don't mind Wes' favorite Capital Hotel slippers.)

LOVE my girl. 

Exploring the rocks.

Kari and SJ checking out the docks.

I was a bit terrified of going out there with her, but I just squeezed her hand or held her the entire time. 

Back to safe land.

Dinner on the deck.

Sunset on Saturday night.

Sunday morning breakfast before heading home.