Ahhh... West Virginia is truly a beautiful place. This is the old family gris mill (still in operation) that sits in the middle of Babcock State Park.
Mom and Dad posed while I tried my hand at crooked photography.
While in West Virginia, we decided to camp this year. Babcock State Park has some of the prettiest camp sites ever. There was only one problem with this camping trip, well, really two problems. 1) It rained alot! This makes camping very soggy and tricky. How do you get your clothes and shoes off without getting your sleeping quarters wet? How do you get your children to be extra careful while getting in and out of the tent? 2) Mom was injured. The weekend before, she severly bruised her ribs and so camping was just very uncomfortable for her. Our last night that we were supposed to camp we actually packed up and headed for a hotel. She was so happy to be in a bed that she did not have to stoop or crawl into.
During the rain it was nice to be able to retreat to Papa Bud's camper. He was parked right next to the bathrooms making it even more convienent. Dot fixed breakfasts for us and the kids played alot inside the RV while we sat outside and just talked with my grandfather and uncle.
Alora made a new friend, Rusty. Papa Bud and Dot have adopted little Rusty and Alora just loved playing with him. She is such a dog lover!
I love horseback riding in West Virginia! We rode horses once before and I had the best time ever. I have really wanted the kids to be able to do this also so before we take the full on 1-2 hour trail ride, they got some lessons. Alora is also not quite old enough to take the trail ride but it is #1 on the agenda next year when Joey goes with us. He was not able to come this year but he is definitely coming next year.
Papa Bud and I stopped for a pic while waiting on Alora and Andrew to have their lessons. He is quite the outdoorsman and I love spending time with him.
Very professional looking, don't ya think?
Andrew was nervous at first and only thought that he would take one trip around the outside area but he loved it and ended up taking three trips around! He can't wait for trail riding next year.
Alora has wanted to take horseback riding for a while now and she just looked like a pro. Jooble was their horse, an Arabian, and was just the perfect size.
The kids will both be taking more lessons before our trip to West Virginia next year so that they can be all ready for the trail ride.
Just so every one knows that is not a spider on Andrew's back but a picture on his t shirt. It is very scary looking in some of the pictures.
One of their favorite things to do anywhere we go is rock climb!
Bibi was just chillin' and taking in the scenery.
The great outdoors-We love it!!!
Bibi, Andrew, Alora and I took the opportunity to explore some areas in Babcock we had not been before. This trail was AMAZING!
Check out those rocks!
The trail winded its way through a cave that we had to climb through and out through a hole. It was AWESOME!
At the top of the trail was the "Eagle's Nest"-this lookout point. It was truly beautiful. We did have a scary moment though. While Dad was taking this pic of me, the kids were exploring around on the trail behind Bibi. When we caught up to them we found Alora standing on the side of a very HIGH UP bluff that had no rails, no sign "this way to your death", no nothing. Alora does not fear much and the thoughts of her leaning over for a closer look are terrifying even thinking about it now. Dad and I said a quick "Thank you to Jesus for that protection"! Whew!
Andrew is standing on next to the bluff. What a great view!
We also went for a paddle boat ride on the lake inside the park. The weather was perfect during this time and we had a blast girls vs. boys.
Have I ever mentioned that my mother is one foxy lady! I hope I look like her when I grow up! : ) We had a blast.
Ramming Speed!!!
What fun! We pedaled all over that lake and got some serious exercise too. Thank you Mimi and Bibi for all the fun, and thank you West Virginia for some sweet memories!
1 comment:
Why is Alora trying to kill that dog?
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