After being getting caught in the thunderstorm at Indiana Dunes National Park we eventually ran out from underneath it, arrived at our next destination on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, IN just before it billowed back over us. Doug masterfully unloaded the van just in the nick of time.
After that whirlwind entry we then got to take a deep breath and realize that we were indeed together with these dear friends that live half a world away from us in Kenya. They return every summer to see family in the states and we literally set the schedule of our trip based on when they would be here sot hat we could make sure to include them on our tour. It’s been almost three years since our last visit and it was so good to be in each other’s company.
Sky grew up on the lake and his parents graciously hosted us in addition to Sky, Megan and their three kids, Marshall, Ryan and Isla. Brave souls! The kids were greatly anticipating all the lake fun, but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate that first night. But Sky’s dad, a grandpa extraordinaire, busted out the 3-D glasses and his animated 3-D options and the kids all watched Lion King together in a new way. So cute. Even Koen was wowed by it!
Thankfully despite an iffy forecast the next morning we woke up to relatively hopeful skies.
And Grandpa Speakman was raring to go out on the ski boat to take anyone who wanted skiing. Yes, please! Koen and Tav went first on two skis and popped up with no problem and had fun for sure. Here’s Koen…
And then Tav was so cute showing off his skills out of the wake, touching the water, right off the bat. Love it!
Then it was my turn to slalom. And I had a lot of fun too!! Oh how we love to be on the water! So great to be outdoors playing instead of in the minivan!
After a brief time of changeover, we went back out with lots more kids for some tubing fun. My kids were just bursting with joy, they love this stuff!
Then they were introduced to the wave runner. Douglas got to pilot it, which he was not sad about!
I even got to enjoy a ride with him.
The kids spent hours playing around, under and on the raft and slide. Another one of those amazing opportunities on this trip to watch the next generation of friends. All the kids did a great job getting along and I was especially proud of our bigger boys taking such good care of the littler friends.
After lunch Grandpa Speakman offered for another round of skiing, this time the younger kids that wanted to do the ski sled or the trainer skis. I couldn’t believe, but Jansen and Penn were eager to try! Ryan did the ski sled first showing Jansen how it’s done and then Jansen did it and popped right up!
Then it was time for the trainer skiers. Marshall was the example this time. Then Penn went. It took a few tries, but he kept with it and figured it out. So proud of his perseverance and I was so glad he got up and was able to feel that success!
After Jansen’s success on the ski sled, he wanted to try the trainers. He gave it a few great tries and ended up throwing in the towel. But he was so close! And I was so proud of him for making progress and trying something new! Also super thankful for Mr. Sky being in the water with all these new skiers patiently holding them as the boat attempted to pull them up. The Speakman men are pretty amazing with kids!
Obviously we had quite a water sports day! And it didn’t stop there. There was more wave runner play, more swimming and just being on the lawn enjoying the view.
After dinner there was a quick rain storm that got some of the kids indoors briefly and we got most through the shower and ready for bed. But Sky invited us on a sunset pontoon boat ride to finish off the evening. And a great opportunity for some forced family photos!! So glad we got these.
Lovely end to a full, fantastic day at the lake.
I should make sure to mention that after wrangling all of our children to bed both evenings Megan, Sky, Doug and myself would stay up (despite our weariness) and catch up on all things in our lives: parenting, work, the trip, world events. Lots to talk about with not having seen each other face to face in over three years! And it’s always amazing when it’s like no time has passed, it’s a safe place to share, to connect, to laugh and be real. We are so blessed by amazing friends all over this earth!! Left Indiana with hearts full.
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