Virgin Falls Family Camping

Fall is officially here (even though some days seem hotter than our summer was) so we had to kick it off with a camping trip.  We went with Jacob's friend from work and his 2 girls and had such a great time.  We drove to middle TN to enjoy the beauty of Virgin Falls and Sheep Cave.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the kids did awesome.  Looking forward to more fall fun...

 Monkey Spotting.

 We never did see any sheep in Sheep's Cave (or Jacob's wedding band that he lost here 1.5 years ago).  1 bear but no sheep.  I'll let you guess which child enjoyed spelunking the most.

 Love.

 She said this rock looked like a mustache.

Airing things out.

Trail Days 2014

We decided to take a spontaneous trip to Damascus for Trail Days this past May.  If you've followed my blog for very long, you'll know that Jacob and I have a special love for this little town and it's surrounding area.  It doesn't take much to motivate us to go visit and since we had been telling our friend Jenna about it, we thought we'd drag her along for some fun too.  Jenna is a very special friend who is becoming like a little sister to us (I hope that doesn't offend her) so you'll see more of her on my blog I am sure.  Our long weekend was a blessing in so many ways and we are looking forward to going back for our fall family trip.

The weather wasn't very great while we were there and we kept complaining about how cold and rainy it was.  We weren't really prepared for this (hence my kids' clothing!) but the blessing behind the storm is that the warmest and coziest place to be for all of the thru-hikers was a church that was offering coffee, baked goods and live classic rock music.  The weather caused people to pour in and allowed the church to minister to these weary travelers.  I am so thankful we got to witness that.  

 I'm pretty sure that when Ikea made their ginormous bags out of tarp material they intended them to be used for babies and camping.  If not, I'd like to recommend it as a cheap solution for baby and snack containment.

 We promised hot dogs on the fire but could barely get one going because everything was so wet.

 Sage's first camping trip!

 Jedi knight?

 You won't find us modeling on the front of any North Face catalogs anytime soon but this is a good, happy life we live and I'll take happiness over fashion.

 Remember little Dakota in this swing??

Camping Cousins: September 2011

Nothing says fun like 4 muddy kiddos.  Back in September we were able to meet Lauren & Chad and their boys for a cousins camping trip which we hope will become a fairly regular adventure.  I know I am waaaay behind on my blogging but this was such a fun trip that I didn't want to neglect sharing it.  Plus, L&C didn't have their camera so they might enjoy finally seeing some photos. 

We met on a Thursday evening after dark at the Big South Fork National River & Rec area near the KY/TN border.  The next day we did our best at picnicking and hiking but the weather was far from perfect.  Thankfully the kids didn't mind and used the extra mud to enrich their fun.  The Rowland clan had to head back on Saturday morning so the Cartner Clan found a new place to explore.  We found our way to Cumberland Falls, considered the Niagra of KY where the previous day's rain strengthed her flow.  That night we camped in Mammoth Cave National Park so that we could enjoy a cave tour early Sunday morning.  We wished we had more time to spend at MCNP but maybe we'll go back another time.

Check out Jacob's posts from this trip if you'd like to know more about the areas we surveyed - unlike me, he gets things done in a timely manner.

 Even though it was so wet, we were able to get a fairly decent campfire, albeit a little smoky.

 Thanks for participating, Corban.  A little delayed?

 Josie.

 Excuse my wild hair but Corban's face is too sweet not to post.

 Hello Deer.

Enjoying lunch underground!