This past week was fall break for the kids and seeing as rain was predicted for the weekend we took off for Arkansas on Thursday morning. We tented for two nights at Devils Den State park. The weather was beautiful and the leaves were just turning colors. The kids just love getting out. When I was packing Brayden and Becca were asking when we were going, and when I asked why, they said they were most excited about riding in the car for a long drive-how bizarre...I think they just love to watch video's. We packed pretty light in the food department (even forgetting the camping essential-catchup) thankfully the kids didn't seem to mind. although I felt a little funny eating my hot dogs and pancakes while our neighbors feasted on steak, burgers and from the smell of things, the works for breakfast. These are some pictures in reverse order of our mini-vacation.
All the kids after our final hike-Ron is close by although Becca is pretty trustworthy.
We made it to the top of Yellow Rock Trail. The kids were a little confused because the markings for the trail were all white. Ron carried Andrea for this hike but the other two did great.
I just loved all the giggles and how intrigued both were with exploring and discovering nature and the caves.
Taking a little break. I think it was about a 1.5mile hike up for everyone. The kids had fun doing a little bouldering/rock climbing at the beginning...Becca a little more than Brayden. On the way down Brayden was up for trying it again with better results.
James did great just hanging out...litterly, I think he was a little small for the pack but it worked great.
Brayden was super excited to take the fishing stuff, what he was most concerned while we were packing. It was fun fishing as these little guys/fish would about jump out of the water to get our bait...left over hot dogs.
Even Becca enjoyed catching a couple. After fishing in this spot we hiked around the lake/pond, along the way we heard Brayden yelling at Becca. By the time we reached them we found Becca with a sheepish look on her face and Brayden quite upset. My typical response/reaction..."WHAT IS GOING ON???" to which I got the response..."Becca ATE the bait" Becca was quick to add, "but I was hungry" ohhhh brother, what next. Becca now knows not to eat raw hot dogs!
We camped next to the very low river and the kids had a lot of fun throwing rocks. Brayden got so into throwing he about flung himself in the water-he things the harder you throw the more skips you might get...he has a nice scar on his chin from falling. Andrea some how managed to fall in the water. I am not so sure how she managed, seeing as there was hardly any water but she was pretty soaked, and not too happy (yes, it was on my watch....as always it happened when I decided to take pictures)
The kids loved helping Ron make the fire. They had the most fun finding sticks-Brayden; Becca helping stack the kindling that Ron had chopped. She had a whole little assembly line in her head that she and Brayden needed to do.
This is the dam-the lake is behind. Of course the kids loved climbing on all these rocks-probably giving everyone watching a heart attack.
This is why I love getting away...the kids still fight but they also have a Ton of fun and smile a lot.
I love this smile on Becca-she won't do it for the camera anymore so you have to catch her in the act.
Our first hike-loads of fun, alongside a lot of caves. Can you believe we found a snake, and Brayden caught it? Non-poisonness, Ron...not me, gave the go ahead to pick it up.
Totally disgusting to me....enthralling to the kids.
The kids loved all the little caves-they were all closed but Brayden still had fun climbing all over. He reminds me of my little brother David in this picture.
Taking a look at the map before our first hike-everyone made the one mile hike, although I think I sang the insy winsy spider a gazillion times to keep Andrea going.
What a fun bunch when they are all getting along.
Sitting at the entrance to one of the caves-The kids had to make sure there were no bears...or bats.
We love this fall weather!
No comments:
Post a Comment