Andrea's Birthday at the Ritz-Carlton - Lake Oconee

 

For Andrea's birthday this year, we went to the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Oconee. It's one of our favorite places and is so peaceful and beautiful. We were planning to have the kids come with us, but Paige wanted to do some things with friends and Connor decided he'd be happy to stay home with her as well. At first I was going to demand that they come along, but after Andrea and I talked, we realized that we've gone a lot of places with the kids lately and it might be more fun if it was just us. What made the weekend especially special (other than Andrea's birthday) is that Millie Mae got to come along with us. 

Millie did great during the drive and we took turns driving. Millie spent most of the time in her dog bed, but enjoyed looking out the window when we held her.

After we arrived, we went to do s'mores, which is one of Andrea's favorite things at the resort. It was a bit crowded and of course the kids are wild waving burning marshmallows and sticks around. One kid managed to burn a lady's hair, but we avoided injury ourselves.

In the morning, we went on a kayak and paddleboard adventure with Millie Mae. I expected that she'd be eager to jump aboard, but the dock's movement set her on edge and she was not relaxed at all. Andrea took a kayak and I took a SUP, and Millie Mae jumped between us. The weather was perfect for it and we paddled around for quite a while. 

For lunch, of course we went to Gaby's by the Lake. We think they've changed their menu, but we enjoyed the nachos and sweet tea. There's a "doggy dining" area where we sat during our meals along with the other dog families. 

For dessert, we got a big cookie with ice cream.

In the evening we watched some women's gymnastics and relaxed.

On Andrea's actual birthday, we went out on the water again with Millie in the morning. This time we took a kayak together and Millie was much more relaxed with us all together. The wind was a little difficult at times, but we went all the way around an island area and managed to survive all the speeding boats and jet skis.

For Andrea's birthday meal, we ate at Gaby's again and got a big juicy burger with french fries. 

We put Millie Mae in the kennel that we brought, along with her bark collar, and she survived while Andrea and I enjoyed the pool. 

In the evening we went on a long walk through the woods on the trails. 

Our last night at the resort we got a margherita pizza in the room while we watched the finals of the NCAA women's gymnastics. 

It was a fun weekend and a relaxing way to celebrate Andrea's birthday. Happy birthday Andrea!