Over the past couple of years the Lake Balaton has crept into our hearts; It has a place in a small nook reserved for special family times.
It is the first place the Littlins went sailing.
It is the first place Max bathed in a natural body of water at just 9 weeks old.
It is the first place Angelina has been fishing, sitting for hours despite not catching anything.
It is the first place we saw a water snake catch a fish.
It is the place I learnt to sail and where my heart flutters, still, at the sight of a full set of sails.
It is also where Hugo had his first full-blown, ranting, raving and thrashing melt-down in public. There was just so much excitement and it was so tiring having fun all the time; 4 year olds need still time to flush the excitement every so often, but try telling them that. 
The Balaton is special for us. This year we only managed to spend 2 days by the Balaton. However, these 2 days were magical, shared with friends and family.
We found a lovely campsite in Balatonszemes, the Vadvirág Kemping. Our pitch a mere 10 m from the lake. Staying over was even more fun.
The temperatures were in the low 30C, the water still 25-26C from the extreme heat of the previous weeks. The water level of the lake was much higher than the years before, when it was just shin deep for a long way, now that was waist high for adults and a comfortable neck deep for Hugo, my short 4 year old. A healthy water level and good water quality.
We bathed and played in the water a lot.
Finally all our beach balls came in handy. Whether to throw around, playing piggy in the middle or to try to sit on, balancing on it held under the water.
In the evening we set up camp and then sat out and watched shooting stars. No need to wrap up in blankets as the decidedly warm breeze was keeping the mosquitoes off us and warming our cockles.
We played and talked a lot. Our favourite, ultra-portable and fun competitive game is Dobble. It challenges young and old alike. No need to let the Littlins win, they have a natural advantage.
We explored the campsite and the kids played in the kids’ pool (for a change of scenery) and on the playground.
The food was simple, drinks cold. And we relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.
Next year we hope to come back with bigger tents, some bikes, more beach balls and more family and friends to stay longer.
Do you have any special places where you like to go back year after year?
I think this post is true country kids style- enjoying the outdoors for all it has to offer. To see more pop over to:
The post also encapsulates some true magic moments. To read other people’s Magic Moments:
The post The magic of Lake Balaton appeared first on Mum on the brink.