Up on the Mountain

Last weekend our family went camping at Monte Sano State Park. Camping is something that we love to do every fall but had never been to this location. The weather was perfect and so we were off. We called ahead of time and was assured that campsites were plentiful so we did not book a reservation. The person we spoke to on the phone failed to realize, however, that this weekend was a biking festival and most campsites were about to be booked. Thankfully, we were able to find a great campsite right next to the bathrooms despite the many campers! Yes! We were able to go with some very good friends of ours who also serve alongside us at our church. Although we only spent one night on the mountain, there was so much to do.

There was hiking to be done. This is always a highlight for us.

There was manly wood-chopping to be done. These are the next two candidates for "Survivor Alabama."

There was digging in the dirt to be done. They look like girly-girls but don't let their cutsie, innocent smiles fool you--they can dig in the dirt with the best of them. Caroline and Alora enjoy slugs, catepillars, dirt, sticks and leaves. They sat playing in the dirt happily for quite sometime.

There was playing, story-telling and swatting each other with sticks to be done. How fun it is to stay up outside in the dark! The kids ran around with favorite camping accessories, chem lights, and played and played and played. We gathered around the campfire making up stories together letting every body add a piece to the story. So I ask, what do elephants, krispy kreme, balloons and Kareem Abdul Jabar have to do with each other? Our camping story, thats what!

There was kicking back and relaxing to be done. The weather was not too hot and not too cold, perfect for just chillin'. We were so excited to be able to spend time with good friends, Leigh and Justin, away from the office. For Leigh and I, the office being our homes, seeing as how we both home school, and for Joey and Justin, the office being the church. Unwinding from pastoral duties was good for them.

There was acorn gathering, counting and collecting to be done. Fall is so fabulous and nature was ripe with nuts and leaves that just fascinated our kids.


There was exploring to be done. We hiked as far as little man's legs would carry him. Luke was quite a trooper.

We had an awesome time camping with family and friends. Monte Sano proved to be a get away that was close and fun.