Belknap Hot Springs

The second half of our Oregon summer vacation began in the beautiful Belknap Hot Springs Resort, with Brant's extended family, for their annual reunion.  We were happy to be able to join them this year, which was the first time our kids have experienced the "Mitchell Family Campout."  The weather was not in our favor, but we still had a great time and made the best of the rainy cold, which included several dips in the pool that is heated directly from the hot springs source next to the McKenzie River.

We had a great time reuniting with cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters -- the whole crew!  It was fun to be together again, playing board games, floating boats Grandpa Dale made, swimming in the hot springs, eating yummy food, playing field games, even enjoying ice cream - despite the cold weather!

Grandma surprised the kids with new blankets she made!  They were elated!

April, my SIL, and Adalie, my oldest niece, playing in the rain!

These fun umbrellas came out to play -- originals from Amber and Justin's Valentine's Day wedding a few years ago.  My kids had never seen them before, make them even more of an exciting, novel thing!

The kids loved playing on the tire swing...and I loved that we weren't in the camper right.next.door to this swing!!

There is a "Secret Garden" located on the property of Belknap that became the favorite go-to destination, both for the fun of walking the trail to get there, and for floating the wooden boats Grandpa Dale made for all of his grandkids!

This boy insisted on going to the Secret Garden just about every waking hour -- and yes, he even managed to fall in during the first visit!

Isn't it enchanting?

We took a break from the Secret Garden, to enjoy a rousing game of softball.

April and Zoie, ready to hit.

The grounds of Belknap were so enticing to explore and venture out upon, particularly when the sun would come out!  Adalie, Maddie and Savannah (who is Brant's cousin's daughter).

The McKenzie River

The main hot springs source, that heats the pools!

My eldest niece, Adalie, and I really enjoyed the moments we could connect and have more "adult" conversations.  She's growing up into such a beautiful young lady.

Grandpa Dale, with Adalie and Geoffrey -- who was fixated on making it back to the Secret Garden!

More fun with boats!

April, Kylia and Adalie

It was raining, but when a pool is heated by hot springs, it doesn't matter!

Geoffrey and Brant

The Belknap Lodge -- so much greenery!

Apparently, this is what he looks like when he is jumping.  Who knew? 

Sweet Leilani, watching all the jump-rope action.

Kylia and Grandpa, having a double jump-off!

Now that's what I call a happy, enjoying-camp-food, girl!

Seth, roasting hot-dogs on a stick, like a pro.

Our final morning, before packing up and departing for our week-long camping trip in Union Creek!  We enjoyed coffee and breakfast indoors, away from the rain outside.  We had such a great time being back at the annual campout, even with the rain!