Cabin Fever

We kicked off our summer this year with a weekend stay at Pinicon Ridge park. The scenery is breathtaking in most places and a great spot to spend time enjoying nature. We stayed once before when Gage was barely 4 years old and it proved once again to be a really great time. Mom, Raelinn and Zach were able to join us and we couldn't have been happier to have them there. We spent a lot of time exploring the hiking trails, we climbed the observation tower, did a little fishing and of course enjoyed our time by the camp fire.

elk at the nature center
camp fire and S'mores
buddies
Rae-yinn, someday I am going to be just like you.
My cousin is so cool!

The gang is here!
On top of the tower. You can't see I am shaking!
Back to my tomboy roots Hiking the trail
Checking out a stream on our hike
looking down from the wooden bridge

Forest stairs? - why not.

Back down the stairs. Back in the stream

Hey kid, have you done this before?

"I'm trying to fish here!"

So patientLooking for just the right spot.

We had a really great time. The kids really enjoyed spending almost every moment outside and of course the big kids did too.

Oh, I almost forgot about the tarantula.

Right as we were packing up to leave, as I was sweeping the cabin floors - I spotted it. A monstrous tarantula!! It had me trapped in the bathroom, blocking my only exit from the cabin. I knew it was about to attack. I called for help. No one heard me. I called for help again.....nothing. It was staring at me, waiting for my escape attempt. I had no choice. I leaped with all of my might (and my eyes closed) over the broom that was harboring this creature. I hoped for a cat like landing and succeeded. I ran from the cabin yelling for someone. Anyone. Finally my wails for safety were heard.

Wade, Mom the kids and I tiptoed in to inspect. I knew it was going to be gone and I would have to shamefully try to explain my crazy outburst. Alas, there it was - still staring - waiting in the exact same spot. Wade bravely grabbed Ella's bug net and captured the beast. The kids stared on, hearts beating wildly.

Then I hear Ella in a tiny squeaky whisper. "Oh, he is so cute mommy."

Then Gage in a louder more annoyed voice "Geez Mom, it's dead, what were you freaking out for?"

Stay tuned in my next post for the picture. Oh yeah, I saved this beast of a spider. I knew no one would believe me.