The Martin's Cabin

July 13 to July 20, 2014  the Martin clan got together for a family outing at Diane and Mark's cabin in the mountains. What a beautiful place to relax and have some fun with family members. The Minton's, Robin and Dennis were invited by Anne and Lou Martin. Really they needed a chauffeur and they knew Dennis had some training. As you can tell the Martin's love to kid each other so we will just have to chime in and be part of the family for at least the week. In all seriousness, Robin and I could not have felt more like family during the week. So lets get started with some pictures of  this glorious time with the Martin's.
                                                                                  Our Host- Mark Martin

 

 

and our Hostess- Diane Martin

 

I did not say it was a walk in the park. Let see some of the roads that we had to endure to get to this wonderful establishment.

 

 

Yes, Robin was a little frightful! A gravel road with many switch backs was not on the email we received with our directions from Diane and Anne.

I am surprised that they did not hear us coming for the screams were shrilling. Even Lou could  hear them!

 

Slow down she said, over and over.

 

We thought we were there, but NO, back to the winding road.

 

At last!, we saw what we thought was the cabin and said OH MY!!! it surely will be tight with 20 of us in there.

But then we came upon this magnificent cabin in the woods.

WOW!!!!!!

 

Awesome!

 

From the dock on the pond, doesn't get much better!

 

 

We will get to the inside in a little bit. Let's show off the folks who join us on our relaxing but playful vacation.

 

Patrick, Eric, Darlene, Jamie, and Karen

Jake,  Mara, Justin

Josh, Lindsey, Mike

 

Anne, Lou, Lindsey, Beth 

 

 Nikki and Kyle cooking.

 

 

 

Lou and the kids

 

Mark the Host and Corn hole Champion

 

 

 

The trusty and faithful watch dog!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sadie

 

But also spoiled rotten!!!!!!!!!!

 

Diane and Kristen our hostesses! 

 

 And the adopted family members, Robin and Dennis

 

Justin is always trying to get in the picture! Here he is with his adopted Aunt Robin

 

 

 

and the KING himself!!!!!!!

 

THE WHOLE GANG

 

 

Okay, now for the inside of this gorgeous log home.

The Loft

 

 The girls room

 

 The living room

The boys room

 

 The game and movie room

 Living Room Fireplace

 

 The back deck

 

 

And now the outside surroundings.

 

 

 

And Robin by the wishing well, wishing she could stay another week!!!!!!!!

So people have asked what in the world would you do with 20 folks in one house. Well first of all, they are family and they say you can't pick your family but you can pick your friends. For Robin and I we are truly blessed that Anne and Lou picked us as their friends to join this wonderful family for the week. We truly felt a part of it for sure. Okay lets get back to what you do with no TV or Internet for a week. Okay some of you high tech guys had the iPhone but for us who only have a flip phone that had to stand on one foot for service we made out like a bandit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

We ate and ate and ate!

Chef Jamie and Chef Darlene fixed a meal before we got there and I am sure it was good, otherwise Patrick & Eric would have been starving by the time we got there.

 

 

 

 

We had delicious pork the first night we arrived, cooked by Chef Mark and Chef Diane had all the fixins.

 

Then Chefs Robin and Anne, prepared a chicken croissant roll casserole, green beans, and creamed potatoes.

Okay we all know this story.

Chefs Kyle, Nikki, Kristin, and Beth fixed an awesome dinner, Barbecued Chicken, Baked Beans, Grits

 and Corn on the Cobb.

 

 

 

 

Kristen & Diane preparing the Grits

 

 

 Eric waiting while Nikki and Kyle prepare. I think he's licking his chops with anticipation.

 

Beth had talked with Anne and supervised the cooking, we all know the story, don't we.

Nice job Anne and Beth we love you both!

 

Oh, Oh, their is Justin again getting in the picture!

 

 

Friday was Pizza from Papa Johns. Okay we will say Sadie ordered it and delivered it.

 

 

Saturday Chef's Mike( he helped) and Chef Mara. Pot roast, pork roast, green beans and a fruit salad. 

 Yes, Mike helped.  He made the fruit salad by hand and from scratch.

We even stole his recipe and had it when we got home.

 

 

Guess who? In the picture again!

 

 

 

 

OKAY LET THE GAMES AND ACTIVITIES BEGIN

 

 Dennis in the pond retrieving the zip line, water was chilly!

 

 

 Kristen on/off the zip line.

 

 Dennis, right before he caught the only fish, a small trout, in the pond.

 

Buzz Word game, guys beat the gals.

 

 Justin setting up a target for Patrick to land in off the zip line!!!

 

 

 Patrick taking the plunge, no turning back!

 

 Lou trying to beat Patrick, good effort.

 

 

WHAT FORM and CONCENTRATION!

 

Robin and Anne just enjoyed the morning coffee on the deck.

 

 Shopping in Highlands

 

 She is so pretty!, Sorry, it is my blog you know. Shopped a little more than the rest. Didn't buy anything though :).

 

 

Had yummy homemade ice cream at Sweet Treats

Hiking up the mountain.

 

 

Made it to top! A little foggy but we made it in the rain.

Water water every where! beautiful falls!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 Robin trying to catch the butterflies.

 

 

 Beth, Robin, and Dennis on the trails in the Polaris.

 

 Yes, Robin was on the trails taking the pictures.

 

 Gorgeous views.

 

 

Mike and Patrick surveying what rocks, boulders to bring back.

 

 

 

Okay, I almost forgot the running of the Bulls, just one Bull!

 From your guest cowboy



                                                           

 and cow girl.

We know how to handle those little doggies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Grab them by the horn!

 Or just ride them until they drop!

Before they turn on you and cause any damage,

 

LIKE THE BULL (AKA Mark) DID ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

The above pictures were from our trip to the dude ranch in Bandera, Texas where everything is bigger, even the BULLS!

In closing I hope you enjoyed the week as much as we did and would definitely do it again with the Martins. You guys are great. Thanks Mark and Diane, Anne and Lou, Mike and Mara, Beth,  Jamie and Darlene, Kristin, Kyle and Nikki, Patrick, Eric and Karen, Jake, Josh, and Lindsey.

Oh you didn't think we forget Justin!

 

Thanks

Robin and Dennis