Deep Creek Lake

After thoroughly enjoying our weekend in Pittsburgh, it was time to hit the road and head to our vacation destination, Deep Creek Lake State Park.  This was the second year my inlaws have graciously hosted a family vacation.  You might remember that last summer we spent a week on the beach.  Being the nature lover that I am (haha) I wondered if I would be able to truly appreciate a "mountain vacation."  I must say, this year's vacation totally exceeded my expectations!  My boys loved it, of course, but impressively I had a lot of fun too!  I definitely love the beach, but I would be happy to go back to Deep Creek anytime!

We were the first ones to arrive so we had some time to kill before we could get into the house.  We had lunch and then made our first (of many!) trips to the Lakeside Creamery for some of the best ice cream I've ever had.

As you can see, we were really roughing it. ;)

After getting us all settled in, hubby had to head back home to be at work Monday morning.  So, C and I spent the next few days hanging out with family and doing a little exploring.  Here he is posing with the black bear at the discovery center.  I don't know why we were all so worried about being in bear country.  This little guy didn't seem so bad up close.  (Of course he's dead, so that could have something to do with it)

 I love these pictures.

 Adorable!

We enjoyed the playground outside the discovery center.  And...wait for it...their aviary!  Thankfully these were all birds of prey and were happily caged...or rather, I was happy they were caged.
Having picked a great horned owl at the aviary in Pittsburgh to take home, C was thrilled to see one in real life!

Exploring the docks with Grandma after enjoying lunch on the lake.

We were pretty low key the first couple of days, just enjoying time with family at the house, and a couple of little outings here and there.  We saved most of our big adventures for when Daddy came back.