We Heart State Parks

Whew.
This was a weekend full of surprises, and some outdoor fun.

Last Thursday the kids and I went to Guntersville State Park to visit our favorite Mamé and Papa. We went on a walk with Mamé and ate lunch at the lodge there. The Lodge at Guntersville has impressive views of the lake; beautiful views!

On the trail at Guntersville

They have an agreement: only one child will look at the camera at one time.

Friday evening R's parents came to us and we got to walk around one of our favorite shopping places here. And they brought some new books for the kids - so we read about trains, the alphabet, and clever mice.

A TRAIN!!!!

Saturday, well, everyone knows what Saturday was. The first Saturday of college football. And LGC's birthday, still proving that she's slightly older than me. And ALM's eldest son's birthday (we miss you!). And a surprise from dear Central Florida friends that has kept them in our constant thoughts and prayers since Saturday. And the day that AnniePants went into labor with her beautiful baby girl (technically I think her birthday might have been Sunday).

We traveled to my Grandpa's and Grandma's house to watch the game, exposing my in-laws to the extended family for an Auburn Football game. Only time will tell if this was a wise decision, if they will ever hang out with that side of the family again....

Half the room. The other half took turns closing their eyes in the pictures.

Monday was just lovely. We explored one of the trails atop Monte Sano and had a wonderful time. And even though the sign said it was 3.4 miles long and we thought, wow, Squirms is loving this, let's keep going, she can do it and we can keep taking turns with the Great (who wasn't that thrilled about just walking), when the actual loop back to the parking lot was almost 5 miles we thought, Squirms cannot be still even when sitting on my shoulders! Please stop squirming precious Squirms! Hold on to my head instead of telling stories with your entire body. R and I were impressed that the four of us not only made it, but had a lot fun too - a pleasant surprise! I should mention while we were on a mountain, we were at the top, so the trail was flat.

And, then another surprise, a free (used) swing set arrived! Last year someone gave a swing/play set to one of my uncles, who gave it to my dad, who gave it to another one of my uncles for his grandkids to use. They were done with it so my parents and H brought it to us. Squirms is calling it "her playground".

Yeah. I've got four trains. So?

You're welcome world for this picture.

He's looking at the camera! 

"Red-dee"

It really is more like a play ground than a swing set....

Convoy.

The "Post Office" is also the "Motor Cycle Parking".

"Boo!"

He had to park his car in there too.

To celebrate Labor Day we grilled hot dogs and fried okra. We were thrilled to have so many family visits this weekend, and I'm especially looking forward to going to Monte Sano State Park again soon. And frying okra again.