Fall Break-Part 2

For at least four months Rusty had planned on taking the kids camping, and since we weren't able to leave for fall break (Rusty's new law firm is taking a lot of his time--later post to come) he decided to take a couple of days and go that week. The problem came when we read the forecast. It was going to be a beautiful 70-degree-weather day (the first day), but the second day was 100 percent chance of rain and high of 49 degrees. They went anyway. The chosen destination -- Red River Gorge. It is beautiful there, and my friend even further motivated me with one of her posts.

Here is a description of the trip in pictures (I was so happy Rusty used the camera and did an awesome job in documenting the camping trip).

It's not an easy feat getting four people ready for a camping trip with all types of weather. The van was packed to the hilt.

Leaving. . .

A picture of Natural Bridge

The path leading to the bridge.

Day One--Rusty went with our good friends, the Miller family. They have boy and girl twins Ben's age, and Meg, Ben and Sam LOVE to be with Max and Dominique. This narrow corridor leads to the top of Natural Bridge. The group was able to hike, build a fire, grill hamburgers, make s'mores and enjoy the outdoors the first day.

Posing on a rock with Natural Bridge in the distance. It's a good thing I WASN'T there; I would have freaked out having my kids that close to the edge. Dominique, Meg, Max, Ben and Sam (notice the rolled up pants on Sam, like the girls).

Getting ready to make s'mores.

Day Two--the rain hits. It rained a solid 24 hours, but the weather didn't slow them down. They went on a LONG hike.

Sam needing a little assistance.

Thank goodness for lap tops and portable DVD players. They watched a movie in the afternoon under the pavilion to get a break from the rain. They did tell me that it was FREEZING however.

Because they couldn't cook outside, and because Rusty heard that Miguel's Pizza was the best in Kentucky, they went for an early dinner. . .

. . .before camping out at the Hemlock Lodge for the next two and half hours. The kids parked it in front of Disney Channel while Rusty and Brian "nursed" the fire.

It was so cold, and after a day of rain the tent was a little wet, but not the gear (Rusty takes pride in his camping skills and obviously REALLY earned that Eagle), so they decided to sleep inside the van. Rusty pushed the two captain chairs together to make a bed for Sam. Sam didn't budge the entire night.

Rusty, Meg and Ben tried to sleep in the back of the van but found it a little crowded, so Ben moved up into the passenger seat and laid it down. He didn't budge all night either.

Day Three--even though it had rained and was super, duper cold (Sam's verbage), the kids LOVED camping. They drove around and saw the entire area and rock climbers the next day before coming home.