The Downing Family: Banks Lake

We had the best weekend a couple weeks ago when we went to Banks Lake with friends. The Moultons organized the whole trip. They reserved ten lakeside cabins and we filled them up! Lots and lots of kids and lots and lots of fun. The kids were on the go the whole time. The kids and I rode over with Moultons - it is a four hour drive and we took the kids out of school early on a Thursday. We drove through several storms hoping to find sun. David had a work conflict on Friday so he and Jones came the next day. Not long after we checked into our cabins, the dads and kids were out in the boats on the lake. We had smores before turning in. Alec slept over at Brian's and I had five little girls giggling in the loft for about an hour before they too fell asleep.

The lake was so calm and peaceful . . . for awhile at least.

The cabins from the boat.

The cabins had a sitting area with a couch/bed, a little room with a double bed and bunk beds, and a loft.

In the loft getting ready for bed.

Kira, Tracie, and Lanie

Proof that Jones came. He likes going to new places and there were two other dogs in our group.

Alec really looked forward to the rodeo but I don't think I'll ever get him back to one unless it is to protest animal cruelty. He and Hannah both had a hard time watching the calf-roping event. We would just clap when the cow got up or when the cowboy couldn't get the cow - probably not real PC for East of the mountains! We learned what makes the horses so mad, but we decided not to share that with Alec!

We spent LOTS of time on the boats and the kids could not get enough of tubing. It was not as warm as we had hoped but we made the best of it an soaked up the sun while it was out. I don't know how the kids could stand the cold water!

I'm sure we exceeded capacity on the boats - but most of our passengers were little!

The water and scenery were beautiful.

Alec and Brian

The girls!

Hannah was a wild child on the tubes. Even when her friend Abigail, whose Dad was driving the boat, signaled to slow down, Hannah put her thumb up - signaling she wanted it faster. Jeff told those on the boat that he had to listen to the guests and gave them the ride of their lives! Poor Abby!

Katie, Abigail, and Hannah

Alec and David

The kids favorite activity.

The Gustins took the kids out on a boat ride and found this really cool place. There was absolutely no one around so we had our own little private beach and BIG dune to climb. We spent much of the afternoon here relaxing, climbing the hill and then running down it, riding the waverunners, and a couple brave souls did some wake boarding.

Aaron climbed the mountain to get Kira some wild flowers.

A view from the top.

We went to the Coulee Carnival where Hannah played lots of games and won some high quality stuffed animals. Tracie won a big stuffed dog for her which Hannah was thrilled about. I always love bringing more stuffed animals into the house!

Alec likes to play the games where he is a guaranteed winner.

For dinner, Aaron made reservations at "Pepperjacks." The decor hadn't been updated since the 1960's which made it especially fun. We had the banquet room to ourselves and a buffet style dinner which was very good.

Later that evening we went to the Grand Coulee Dam where they have the best dam laser light show. (Is that their actual slogan or did that come from Aaron?) The show tells the story of the dam and how President Roosevelt pushed for it to be built during the depression and the prosperity it brought to Washington and the United States. It was interesting, at least for the adults. The rain came in though and we were pretty wet by the end of the show.