Camping - Round 2

Our second camping trip went really well. The weather was perfect (except for one t-storm) and the kids did great overall (lack of sleep is a given, of course). It was great to spend time outdoors with family. Annika LOVED riding her tricycle with Grandpa.

Happy 1st Birthday, Emma!

Uncle Jay bailing the tent after the thunderstorm (note the dip in the tent roof).
Uncle Jay teaching Annika how to make "wondernuggets." Is your curiosity piqued?
Heating up the wondernugget. yum yum.
Grandma playing washers. Check out that form!
Lauren and Emma enjoying some cousin time.

Pool time!
Annika jumped into Grandpa's arms over and over and over again.

This is the life - hanging out between Grandpa and Grandma!
Taking cover during the thunderstorm. Too bad there is no audio - we were dancing to some great salsa music (only available in rural Indiana).

A cave along the hiking trail.
The trail description read, "450 steps." Annika did most of them - way to go, girl!
No, the kids did not sign release forms.
Lauren saw big sister walking so she had to have her turn.
More ladders. . .

Nothing says camping like hot dogs over the fire. . .
Grandma's cookin' eggs for breakfast.
Grandpa, Daddy and Annika on the suspension bridge.

This was only a few feet from our tent. Elizabeth was blissfully unaware.

Getting ready for our hike.
An Uncle Jay sandwich! Annika is looking inside an old church from the 1800's.
Ornithologist in training. . .
Emma should have a birthday more often. Grandma's cupcakes are great!

Summer Fun with Sis

Summer Day with Ashley and Deana

Annika and Lauren love to hang out with Ashley and Deana. They treated us to a morning at the Kirkwood pool last week. Enjoying a picnic lunch after swimming.



"Regular" swimming pools are going to seem boring after this experience!

More Camping Photos

Crossing the raging river with brave Daddy.
Tranquility.
Note to self: do not leave the back door of the van open all day.

Is it morning yet?
Annika loves "swimming."
Checking out the creek with Daddy.
Lauren being passed along the assembly line - once again notice the raging river.
Hanging out in the watering hole with Daddy.

Lauren's turn to walk the dog.

Camp (no, the ground is not moving - those are just the ticks).
This picture was taken right after our discussion of what tough, strong, (and humble) women we are. . .
Annika did such a great job hiking. Mary was kind enough to help her but she walked almost the whole way - over rocks and roots. Are you impressed, Nikol?
Listening to Mr. Larry during "church" on Sunday morning. This picture captures practically the only moment they were quiet and sitting still.

Camping - Round One

We are going family camping twice within 2 weeks. This was our first adventure and we are still planning on going on our second (yeah!). We traveled down to Hawn State Park with our small group from church. We were originally planning on 2 nights, but a significant threat of severe storms made us chicken out and only go for one night. We had lots of fun (despite feeling like we were actors in an "Attack of the Ticks" movie). Our setting-up-the-tent supervisors decided to relax on the job!The cold water felt great after a hot hike.
Can you tell we didn't get much sleep?
Hiking on the Pickle Springs Trail: 7 adults, 5 kids 3 or younger, and 2 dogs. Wembley (14 years old) was the first to give out.
A rain shower came through as we were getting ready to eat supper. I was convinced it would blow over, but it didn't. Mike and Larry put the rain shelter up in the nick of time.