A Week With the Kids

My favorite time of year is the summer when the kids visit. For the last several years, the kids visited us in Pittsburgh. Our town had an arcade, outdoor games like go-karts and mini golf and a ball pit (a climbing zone in a netted cage with slides and foam balls you could play with). The ball pit gave the kids a day of fun for $5.00. It was a bargain for parents (looking for an outlet) and grandparents (looking for some peace and quiet.) When Warren heard we had moved from Pittsburgh to Georgia he cried, "I don't want to go to Georgia. I want to go to the Ball Pit!"

The challenge was on. Make Georgia as inviting as the Ball Pit.

We tried. How do you think we did?

Fields of the Woods, Bible theme park, with the largest Ten Commandments in the world, was founded in 1940 and is free to the public. The commandments are spelled out in 5' high letters on a huge hillside.

356 steps to the top! Here we go....

The view was awesome!

As we looked down on the parking lot, we could see more steps on the other side, so of course we did that too. Another 200+ steps! Our calves were talking the next day! It was an interesting place and the view was gorgeous.

View from the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

Lake Chatuge

Paberry points out places to the boys.

A trail ride was a new experience for all the kids. Although they were a little hesitant at first, even the 3-year old didn't want to get off when it was over.

The highlight of the trip was the day we rented a pontoon boat and went tubing. First the kids had a chance to drive the boat.Then Larry did his best to give everyone a wild ride on the tube. Everyone loved it. And for the next 3 days, Zachary's favorite word was BOAT!

Everyone had two turns. When it was Samantha's turn to go again she decided she wanted to go with me, which was a surprise because I hadn't gone yet. Laughing was unavoidable. 

Samantha kept saying, "How dare you splash us, Paberry!"

I told Larry to give us a gentle ride. Next time I'll make sure we define the term!

 Jen and Jan got the final ride of the day.

Larry really wanted to flip the girls, but it didn't work. This tube was incredibly stable. 

As busy as we were there was always time for naps and quiet time in the afternoon. The kids made full use of the wrap around porch, the hammock, the rocking horse, and the easel that was set up on the porch.

Most of all, it was just a great time for us all to be together.

And come to think of it, I never heard any child say:

"I wish we could go to the Ball Pit."

Mission Accomplished!