Day 7

Our last (full) day. The older kids went bowling with  Chris and the grandmas. So we were left with lots of little ones. What do you do with 9 kids under nine? Not much. So we decided to just wander out into the woods and see what we could find.

They found lots of little treasures. So much that they couldn't carry it all. I almost got a few mushrooms shoved into my pocket. I did agree to carry the acorns, but that's my limit.

Trail of the new Giants. This is my favorite trail. Here is where the tornato came through the park in 1985. It used to be called the trail of the giants, because of the size of the trees in this area. The storm lasted 2 minutes in the park and blew down somethng like 100 acres. I read the sign every year, but I still dont remember the details. It is now called the new giants because they left this part of the park to regenerate on its own. It's amazing to see the destruction even after all these years. The fallen trees that haven't rotted away yet are grown over with new trees and vines. And you can still see some that remain, towering over the tops of the new growth. This is where I always find strange mushrooms, and unique insects. This small stretch of woods is full of exciting things to investigate.

Kassandra, Jacob, Joe, Kimmy, Christopher, and Bethany were my companions.

We came across a perfect spot for portraits

"Ah, remember when I could hold you like a baby?"

back to the beach

Figure this out. Beka in a bathing suit and Grace in a sweatshirt. So was it hot or cold? Yup. Both.

Picking the sand out of her hair (she put it there)

Our evening walk to try to get the babies to sleep. It got a little darker than we expected. Luckily, Kathy was headed back with a few girls that went out for an evening swim, so she lit our way.

Day 6

Just let me know when you're sick of these. I still have two more days to post. :p

Aunt Kathy is the best at coming up with ideas for activities for the kids; must be from all those years of being a girl scout leader. We never did get around to the letter boxing, but the "middle" kids enjoyed making picture frames and decorating them with their treasures that they found exploring the woods. And everyone enjoyed decorating their T-shirts. I even got in on the fun, but snapped a few pictures first.

I think we played at the beach every day. Even as cold as it got and despite the rain. The water was freezing. I went in all the way up to my ankles. :) The girls needed a little help taking the plunge. They all held hands and ran in together. (again and again and again...)

I had a better picture of my mother in law letting the kids pull her around in their little raft. But I promised her I wouldn't post it, tee hee. Instead, here's one that I think she'll approve if.

My "special" child

My favorite activity of the whole week- the big girls (and two semi-big girls), me, Amy, my mom, Kathy, Kassandra, and Elisabeth took a walk at sunset. We walked the Logslide trail. It was more of a photography trip than anything. It wasn't a very long walk, either, due to the lack of sunlight and us girls not wanting to get stuck in the woods after dark. I have MANY photos of this hike, but I will share just my favorites.

Now, you know I love dragonflies. Earlier in the day, Elisabeth called me over to see this cute little guy. It was a little sluggish and let us pick it up and put it on my hand so she could get a good picture of it.
- they are forever teasing me for taking the picture of the falling child before rescuing them, or snapping a shot of the spider before I flick it off of someone. (Once while I was with my friend, Julia, a big- but beautiful- wasp landed on her neck. I had my camera in my hand, and debated quickly. But, I'm proud to say, I flicked it off for her and missed the shot for her sake. So, you see, I'm not all that bad) But anyway, the big, ol dragonfly jumped off my hand and landed right on my face. I was not very happy about this thing clinging to my nostrils, but I didn't freak out (much) and pause so that Elisabeth could get a picture. Then quickly said,"Ok, get this thing off of me!!"


Amy has some of her pictures up, too. Click HERE to check them out.

Day 5

We did sooo much in this day, I just can't figure out if I put these in order or not. But I don't really think it matter a whole lot, does it? Just enjoy these random shots from Tuesday...

discussing where Amy went to (we lost her)

discussing where Amy went compared to where the rest of us went.

Grace had a tough week.

I took a video of this, too. I'll post it just as soon as I get permission.

back to the beach. The water was so cold! These girls are crazy!

"Can we go now?"

"Goooo?"

Our leasurly walk back to the cabins, stopping often along the way

Our night time visitor