Living in a Vacation Land

There is something about spending vacation in the mountains, especially these mountains. If anyone thought they were coming for a restful vacation, they were dreaming a misguided dream. I noticed in the Walmart parking lot, recently, that the vast majority of license plates were from other states. In fact in the row I was walking down, there was one other car from this county. There is a reason for that. This is a vacation land for most people! And vacation we did.

When I was a child, my family went to Connecticut for a couple of weeks where we had cabins. There were lazy days, occasional outings, and always a picnic at Kent Falls and swimming and a picnic at Mt. Tom. But all in all, it was relaxing. (There were probably a few days we were bored, but I don't remember them.)

When the kids come here, we try to plan a couple of days off, where the kids can chill and the grownups can catch their breath, but there is a lot to do and it's hard to figure out what to skip. I wonder if my parents were as tired when they went home as we all are? I don't think so. But we do have a good time.

Jan, Mike and kids arrived a few days before Jen and her kids. Dave had to work so they came without him. The first three days were water days: Tubing and MiniGolf in Helen, Fishing, and Rafting.in Lake Nottely.

Larry took the kids fishing for their first time. Fortunately both kids caught one! (with help from daddy of course)

Look at Warren's right hand. He is holding his fish!

After fishing we all met for a picnic lunch and quick swim for the kids. 

On Monday, Larry tied our 2-person raft to our boat for some fun!

Jen arrived on the Fourth of July in time for dinner and fireworks.

Fun ensued: A picnic at Meeks Park and playing in the creek, Rafting, Horseback Riding and a visit to an Alpaca Farm.

Hotdogs, Roast Corn and S'Mores! All a picnic needs.

On Wednesday we rented a pontoon boat that would fit all of us, and tied our raft behind it for some thrill rides. No sooner did we hit the water than the clouds formed and we heard thunder, so we tied up to someone's dock and hoped they wouldn't mind while the storm blew over. 

Waiting for the clouds to clear

 Finally it was time for some fun.

Nicholas and Mike got a little 'air' time!

We all took time for a swim.

There are several Alpaca farms in our area. We were able to visit one and the kids got to hold the babies and help feed them. When we first told them they had to "get ready to go somewhere" we heard the usual moans. Once they got to the farm, we couldn't get them back in the car to go home. 

On the last day we stopped at TrackRock Stables for some horseback riding. They have a well run program and the ride was just enough challenge to be fun.

Jen took Nicholas for some Aerial Adventure. 

And a visit to Sleepy Hollow Fairy Houses

Even at home the fun kept going, from chasing bubbles to chasing each other...

Baseball was new, but Nicholas turned out to be a natural at it.

 Mike helped the kids make paper airplanes. They tested them for days. We found paper airplanes everywhere.

The Wrap-Around Race Track!

 And the Hangout Hammock when the races were over.

 At the end of the day, a quiet moment with ipads and ipods.

And yes..... even time to settle in with a good book.

We have so much fun when the whole gang is here. We're busy. We go. We soak in the quiet moments, take a deep breath and brace ourselves for the next round!

The kids have gone. The house is quiet once again, And that's not a bad thing! They'll be back again.....next summer.