Even as a little girl, lake days were what summer was all about. Living in Pennsylvania, my dad took us to a lake almost every weekend in the summer. We would play in the sand, building forts, eat a lot of watermelon and just be kids. Oh goodness, we had such fun. It was a time that I didn't see my parents stress from life. Like, they took a pause on life for the day. So yeah, I think that's what it means to me now. Taking a pause on the busy and crazy and just taking in the beauty that the Creator gifted us. 

I will be doing a list of lakes we explore as we go in the Pacific North West. 

1) Frog Lake

OH my goodness! There are a million baby frogs all over! More so on the side of the marsh area. And tadpoles galore on the water's edge. And that's what made this Lake so special for my boys. They loved all these little frogs, salamanders, snakes... I loved all the butterflies, not so much the slithering creatures. ummm, to me this is one place that's worth coming and exploring at least once. I've never seen anything like it with the frogs and butterflies. 

So beautiful with the view of Mt Hood. This lake is only a mile around, so hiking was fun with the boys. They found a fishing spot and caught 11 trout. It's stocked in the spring, so by now they are a bit bigger.  Vlad smoked them when we got home, they turned out finger licking good. 

Tip for Frog Lake: Bring hiking shoes to do the hike, a book to read, sun block, and floaters are a must. 

2) Timothy Lake

I'll start with Timothy Lake. This is a man made lake, constructed by Portland General Electric, along with a dam to regulate the water flow to Clackamas River. We didn't catch fish this time, but we did find some cray fish that the boys enjoyed playing with and letting go. The hike is beautiful and easy with kids. We do want to come back and camp here one day. 

I packed a picnic, and we headed out. It's about an hour drive from where we live, so this is an all day event for us. We hung out at the lake, staring at the beautiful Mt. Hood view, having lunch. The water is cold, but that just doesn't stop my boys from swimming and playing at the shore. I regretted not bringing my big floaters - next time for sure. 

The hike begins at a parking lot on the right as you enter the park. Easy for kids, and its just beautiful. That area is camping sites that are first come first serve and are free. and they are so cool, but you gotta hike to them. There are camping per reservation on another side of the park as well. 

We ended the day with fishing and another picnic. It was just an awesome day. being together and spending time like this as a family is my husband's love language. He needs this. His heart needs it. 

• tip for next time: bring floaters, paddle boards, boats, floating devises of any kind, and don't forget hiking shoes.