My family and I were blessed enough to spend four days at a vacation home on Lake Mattoon in southern Illinois last week.

I took many pictures, but I will share only some of my favorites from our trip.

The private boat dock along the peaceful lake frontage.

Getting ready to go out in the boat.

My wife and two sons enjoying the ride out into open water.

Full speed ahead - pulling my nephew @eliwasson on a tube.

Enjoying a cold brewhaha on the open water.

There is a very shallow area with a sand bottom that extends far out into the lake where we stopped to swim.

Some skiing action - (not me).

The best seat in the boat!

Stopped at a shallow cove for some swimming (and brewhaha!)

Checking out the shore and watching other people.

@eliwasson getting some instructions on how to operate the boat.

Our son, Westyn, peeking over the boat seat at me.

Evening back at the lake house, preparing to launch fireworks over the water, with my sister @jenerallee78.

Sunset on the lake.

@eliwasson fishing at sunrise.

Our two boys on the boat dock.

Lounging on a large inflatable.

My wife and younger son enjoying the shade on the inflatable.

Wearing Gramma's glasses.

Wearing Mommy's glasses.

Noah wouldn't let us tow him behind the boat, but he didn't mind floating around in the tube.

Music, brewhaha, and an evening looking over the lake. God bless America!