First camper camping trip

Finally we got away for the weekend. We took our camper to Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster, SC. We enjoyed fishing, throwing the frisbee, baseball, hiking, playing at the playground, visiting the old school, and reading. We had to throw some learning into the trip too. Besides learning the proper way to collect kindling, or the stack logs we took the kids to the pioneer school at the visitor's center. We learned about school in the late 1800's. Children did not go to school 180 days a year, their school was scheduled around farming seasons. Female teachers were unwed, once they married they could no longer teach. Children usually carried their lunch to school in a pail, they ate apples, block of cheese, a biscuit from the morning breakfast (my kids liked this lunch). Cody and Ryan learned about the dunce cap. Nolan read a few McGuffy Readers and Dick and Jane books while we were there. Logan drew rabbit pictures on all the chalkboards.

The kids are pretending to be bears running up the hill?!?!?

Cody caught a catfish...he caught the only fish! We were not sure what to expect on our first trip with the camper, but after two nights we really wanted nothing more than to stay longer. We are more than thrilled to take the camper on trips in the future. The campground was so quiet and peaceful. A perfect weekend...

The Wig

I thought it would be fun to purchase a wig (I was shopping for Halloween items with the kids and found a cheap one). The wig has been so much fun. All 5 of us, and the dog had to have our photo made with the wig. (Eat your heart out Amy!)

Amy's Wedding

I had a blast spending this past weekend with my best friend Amy and her two children. The first night we survived a tropical storm, but woke Friday morning to sunshine and warm weather. We spent all day with our children by the pool and at the beach. Friday night Amy married Scott and took off to the Caribbean. Steve came in on Friday and joined the family, we hung out with Amy's family the rest of the weekend. It was so relaxing. The sweetest jester was when Steve and I were taking photos of Amy and Scott on the beach and Nolan ran up to Amy and myself and said, "look what I wrote in the sand from Scott to Amy". This is what Nolan said (I love Amee) I almost cried, what a sweet boy Nolan can be!

Amy's family loves wigs. We found the mullet wig while picking up some essentials at a store. It was a hit and everyone got alot of stares!!!

Day 3, 4, and 5

We packed in many various activities during our trip. There is one particular activity I enjoyed personally over all others. Hiking with my parents. My dad is 67, mom is 59, they are not in the best shape. We asked if they would like to try a short hike (3 miles- some elevation change- not much) They both agreed. We headed out to Laurel Falls Trail. I knew a waterfall would motivate them. Not only did they hike to the top but my mom ran half of the way back down the trail! After the hike we had lunch and walked all afternoon through Gatlinburg. Now my dad talks about going hiking again, he is hooked!

We also enjoyed go-cart racing, exploring The Forbidden Caverns (650ft underground), hot tub, grilling, and the family photo op. Kudos to Mom and Dad, they did it all!Mom and Logan racing go-carts. Logan was a wild woman!Forbidden Caverns-

Day 2- The Forest

To begin our day we wandered around Cherokee

(mostly hoping that the kids would see a real Cherokee Indian). Next we headed into the park. Today is a very special day for me because I get to go to Elkmont. I have been researching the people and history of Elkmont for a few years. This ghost town is very fascinating to me. The last time I visited here I was told that the houses were scheduled to be demolished so I was very eager to get there and see what had been left. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that nothing had been demolished and the Park Service is restoring 19 homes. I was able to capture images of the homes still left standing. Everything was very overgrown which was disappointing. Steve took the kids to the creek for me while I traveled the road, by myself. I was fine at first but then I began thinking of the bears, this area has very aggressive bear activity. So I began singing one of Creedance Clearwater Revival songs "The Midnight Special", out loud. I have been told once while hiking the AT that if you are alone to sing out loud so the bears would hear you coming and keep away from you. My singing kept the bears and all other people away!

We left Elkmont and headed toward Gatlinburg to find our cabin. I get so giddy when I am in The Smokies. I just love this place.

Our trip- Day one- The Ride

We made a our yearly pilgrimage to the Great Smoky National Forest. Along the way we had a few stops. For three years now we have taken photos at the very same spot, The Smoky Falls(to record our children's growth). We enjoyed a picnic lunch here and shot a few photos. We found two Salamanders under a log. Most people do not know that The Great Smoky Nat'l Park is the Salamander Capital of the World! More Salamanders live here than any where else!

Next we were off to Cherokee to check into our hotel (just a one night stay). In order to get to Cherokee you have to travel down a road that passes Santa Land Theme Park. You cannot miss it, the children see 20 or more billboards for miles before the actual park is near. All three children decided that they wanted to stop (not in our plans). We have visited this park twice before and each time the children always enjoy it. How could a child not enjoy a Christmas Themed Park! After 10 minutes of begging (I decided not to voice my opinion- I would let Dad be the bad guy this time), Steve pulled into the parking lot. At first I thought he was going to give them a beating for screaming and begging but he didn't. He smiled at the kids and said let's go! We spent ALL afternoon there. It would not be a visit to Santa Land without seeing Santa. Nolan was first and he told Santa that he wants Hot Wheel Cars. Santa said, "I bet you like Legos too." Nolan said, "Yes". Santa said "It is my job to know what boys your age want....".

Next was Logan. Today she was not shy. Days like this scare me (last time we were here she told Santa that his breath was bad). Santa asked her what she wants and she said, "Animals".

Santa said, "Stuffed animals?".

Logan said, "NO! I WANT REAL ANIMALS."

Santa took a deep breath and said, "Well, this is something that I have to talk to your mom and dad about, how about a stuffed animal too?"

Logan said, "NO".

Santa said, "I know, I bet you like nice clothes."

Logan says NO again.

Santa asked her if she likes jewelry.

Logan replies no again.

Santa says- candy?

NO, and Logan says for the last time, "I want a real bunny, squirrel, zebra, and flying pony." Santa said ok and looked at me for help.

Next comes Cody and Santa laughed (probably since Cody is almost 12 and sitting on his lap). Santa was impressed with Cody's list. After our lovely talk with Santa we enjoyed the rest of our visit at the park and left for our hotel.

Reed Gold Mine

Since school began we have been home long enough to get our school work done and then we are out the door. We have PE Class, Math, Science, Tennis Lessons, Guitar Lessons, Chess Club, Guitar Club, Art Club, Forensics Class, and Music Class. Oh and field trips! This week we went with the Bach Family, Katie and 5 of her children, to Midland, NC to The Reed Gold Mine.

We learned the art and technology of mining gold and the history behind the gold rush. We had a 30 minute lesson which was followed by an UNDERGROUND tour of the mine. We were able to go 50 feet underground in the old mining shafts and tunnels. After the program we had a picnic lunch and went panning in the river.

We had a lovely time and enjoyed spending the day with our friends.

Here we are getting ready to go into the Mine Shaft
This is in one of the tunnels (it is a constant 55 degrees! Buuurrrr)
The children are panning with Katie.
Oh and along the path we found this copperhead. This time of year be very cautious, copperheads are camouflaged in the leaves!