Petit Jean State Park. Fall Break.

Finally a fall break without any rain in the forecast.  It has been a while since we have camped or gotten away to explore and enjoy the outdoors so it was wonderful to be able to break out the tent after two years and do something the kids so enjoy.  This park left a little bit of a bitterness within me, as all of the struggles that the Lord has thrown at us and challenges he has given us came after our last visit-our life is definitely not our own!  Anyway, the park was beautiful. Hikes were long but enjoyable....except for a little/big detour on the boy scout trail, which the kids will guarantee not to take again.

The terrain is great for climbing and exploring.  This area is called bear cave.

Cool nights and mornings but warm days-perfect for campfires and hot chocolate.  The kids spent a lot of time chopping wood and making fires.  Their discovery was melting down pennies in the fire.

We brought our old tent along with the big one which the girls stayed in.  It worked out great and gave us a bit more room in the big tent.

The falls are the main attraction here.  Brayden had fun skipping rocks across the water.   A couple hours after we were here a guy broke his ankle along the wall that is washed out in the sun.  The ranger said they usually make about 14 rescues a year with people falling.

Yes, Becca is wet.  She is the explorer with no fear.  Brayden always makes her go first and she has no issues with heights or getting dirty.

Natural bridge.

Turtle rocks