Halloween with Minnie Mouse

531 Sunderland Court

Sunderland Court is the address of the Lake Arrowhead cabin that was my family's weekend getaway for 16 years.  I like to think that this house was a chapter of our childhood.  We frequented this place from the time I was 7 years old until the age of 23, when it was sold.  I have many fond memories of endless Monopoly tournaments, Dad letting us win gin rummy, sledding with friends, building forts with the bunk beds, extra time with Dad and our TV dinners, sharing a room with our Uncles after 8 bean chili, swimming up to the platform in ice cold lake water, ice skating, Santa's Village, movies at the only theater in town, and "Just Browsing" at The Village with Mom.  Although I never liked the winding road up and down the mountain, I am very thankful that we never fell off the cliff like I thought we would.  And what would I have done without Kara to play games in the back seat to entertain me?  I'd apologize for saying "are we there yet?" a zillion times, but I still don't like car rides, and I still say it.

That lead-in will give you an idea how special it was to take my daughter up to the same cabin for the weekend and see her experience the mountains for the first time.  The current owners have decorated it so nicely - a real cabin feel with all kinds of adorable trinkets around the house - and it is in great shape (except the stairs that need an overhaul). 

Shaye loved her room and kept bringing us upstairs to show it off.  We had a super fun weekend of games - Candy Land tournaments, puzzles, cards ... and Ryan and I even got crazy with some Jenga.

I especially enjoyed the two hikes around the neighborhood, checking out all the houses that have changed over the years, and the relaxing time on the deck, overlooking the endless pine tress and sparkling lake.  It was a little chilly, which was a nice change of pace from the warm weather at home. 

It was fun to see Shaye light up, seeing the squirrels and blue jays on our deck, collecting pine cones, and even the ducks at the lake!

 

We enjoyed The Village, checking out the new stores and watching Shaye go on all the new little kiddie rides. 

We all switched off cooking and ate some hearty mountain meals.  The weekend ended with a drive around the lake with several stops to shop, play at the park, and view the amazing homes that surround the lake. 

Until the house is sold again, we hope to continue our weekends in Arrowhead once a year, and maybe Shaye will create some memories of her own at 531 Sunderland Court.