Friday, August 26, 2016

Camping at McCormick's Creek

Last year our camping trip was one of the girls highlights of the summer.  It was talked about the rest of the year.  So when it came time to plan again for this summer we decided we had to make it happen...with a newborn and all.  It was a bit overwhelming to pack up and head south but we somehow pulled it all together and did it.



We stay in a cabin that is a nice little set up, minus the lack of air conditioning.  The girls love the bunk beds!


As soon as we pulled in the girls were ready to go hiking and Audrey was ready to get in the backpack. 


The obstacles on the trails are some of their favorites. 


We headed to the fire tower first.  


Caroline and I waited at the bottom leaving 3 adults to take the other 6 kids up. 


From the ground it sounded like the stress level was very high!


We looked like crazy people dragging this crew through the woods. 


Daddy made dinner over a grill one night. 


We found our favorite tree again this year.




And made it back to Wolf Cave.


The kids talked some of the adults into two trips through the cave. 



They love their flashlights! 


Our little hikers


The group added one little one this year making it 7 kids 7 and under.  It is no joke to be in the woods with these little people and it's the definition of it takes a village to make it happen!  We couldn't have done it without Matt and Krista! 



The girls couldn't wait to get back to the waterfalls.  My plan was to stay at the top safely with Caroline.


We very quickly realized we needed more adult hands as Neil, Matt, and Krista were doing their best to pick up the children as the slid and fell over and over.




With that I made my way down as people stared at me like I had LOST my mind! 












Somehow we got everyone out of the falls without major injuries! 


It was a million degrees so we headed to the pool to cool off


and have a treat!


That night we made dinner and dessert over the fire.  


Over all it went shockingly well and I am sure we will be back next year! 


This little lady was incredible! 


The outrageous heat and lack of air movement brought everyone out to the pull out couch one by one to get as close to the one fan as possible!  Creating an interesting sleeping situation...


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Tennis

The big girls took tennis lessons again this year and loved it. 









Audrey even talked her way out on the court one day.


A Quick Night Away with Mom and Dad

Our big dream of a 10 year anniversary trip wasn't going to happen with a two month old in the picture.  So we settled for a quick night away with a third wheel.  It was so nice to not be on a schedule and have a little time to relax and have an uninterrupted conversation.  We also enjoyed loving on our littlest girl.


All ready for her first night in a hotel.








I think she liked being an only child for the night. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Two little tomatoes

Emmerson planted a tomato plant at Daisies this year.  You can't imagine our surprise or her delight when we found these one morning! 


She couldn't wait to serve them to Daddy for dinner!