Notes from the Hawk's Nest: Soggy Shades Weekend

As stated earlier we went to Shade State Park for Ethan's birthday weekend. It was a typical camping weekend, nothing ever goes as you plan.

Thursday night was a beautiful and warm evening. Andrew and I set up the camp while the kids rode their bikes till it was almost dark. After they had rounded the circle at least 100 times we had a campfire with smores. We all headed to bed around 10pm and were hoping the weatherman was wrong about the rain that was supposed to come in on Friday.......

The weatherman was NOT wrong. Friday morning I awoke to the sounds of thunder at 6am. After a very heavy down pour the rain stopped for us to get breakfast made. Then the rain started again and again and again. It rained most of the day, well actually all day. The rain didn't slow the kids down they rode bikes, scooters, played ball, and even went for a hike in the rain. We were able to make the best of it and stayed "dry" under some screened in tents. Even Grandma Becky and Grandpa Dillavou braved the rain and joined us for the day. Finally around 6:30 we decided to call it a day and got everyone mostly dry and jumped into our warm sleeping bags. After a day in the rain this was the only time all day the kids complained they were cold and wet. Once we were in the tent under sleeping bags, with the lanterns one, and a good Hardy Boys mystery the complaining quickly ended. Memories sweet wet memories!

Here we are warming and drying by the fire

Yes that is steam...

Look at these happy kids all ready to take a hike in the rain.

Saturday; Praise the Lord the sun was shining on this clear cool morning! Even though everything was still wet, the sun was shining! It was a beautiful fall day with clear sky, warm sun, and wonderful fall colors. We hiked most of the day with our crew of kids. They were unstoppable and we had to remind them to stay with us and not get to far ahead. Ezekiel was a great hiker, since he sleep in the pack the whole time. There was more biking, eating, hot chocolate drinking, playing ball, crafts, campfires, and a birthday party for Ethan. Yes, the whole reason for camping this weekend was to celebrate Ethan's 8th birthday. Ethan got his wish, an "air shot navy gun" and some G.I. Joes. Now there is a boy gift for you. After a full day of fun the girls climbed into the Wolfe's camper to "visit" we Deanna. But, it turned out to be a slumber party for the girls:) Ethan and the boys played all sorts of games with glow stick and glow sand until almost 11pm. We thanked the Lord for a beautiful day and the good reminder that His mercies are new every morning.

Happy birthday Ethan

He got some of Andrew's GI Joes!!

Sunday was pack up day. We got home in time to unpack and for Ethan to use his new gun. After a cold couple of mornings at the camp ground, we were glad to have our warm beds to snuggle in Sunday night.