Having family vacations are fun. Having family vacations camping are FANTASTIC!!! Fresh air, water, and good food. It can't possibly get any better. The Raleigh Sanford's met the Knoxville Sanford's at the
Cherokee KOA.
Last year we had a blast and I think we topped that this year...I don't know how, but we did!!!
We extended the trip by one day by taking Madison out of school early on Thursday and had a full day Friday. Friday morning Madison and Carson helped make breakfast. A good hearty meal of eggs, hash browns, and bacon to get the day started.
While the men cooked breakfast, the kids took some time to see if they could catch trout for lunch!
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| Madison trying to catch a fish |
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| David having to make a few line adjustments |
Breakfast was behind us...about 10am or so...it was time to plan the rest of our day. We threw around a lot of things...fishing, letterboxing, gambling (just kidding)...but we all agreed on
HORSEBACK RIDING! No quick trip here. A two and a half hour trip on the horse is what we signed up for. A trip to a waterfall and back.
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| Madison showing off her riding moves |
With very sore bottoms we make our final 1/4 mile trek to the waterfall on foot.
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| Madison and Carson hanging out at the waterfall |
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| Tiff and Jeff posing by the waterfall |
You have to look closely but we're all in the picture. Madison, Tiff, Carson, David and Jeff
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| Heading back to the barn |
The best way to heal those sore bottoms was to head back to the campsite and go for a dip in the pool!
The good thing about the KOA is that there are PLENTY of children activities to do scattered t/o the day. Here are Carson and Madison making a bird feeder out of peanut better and bird seed. That crazy Carson wanted to taste the peanut butter.
Madison and Carson were all over the campsite checking things out. While out and about, Madison made a new friend. During that time I spent time with Lucy playing in the water. Lucy loved the water and couldn't get enough.
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| Seeing Lucy in the water. * With her new friend Olivia |
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| David cooking dinner |
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| More water time. That's our cabin in the inset! |
Topping off a well earned and delicious meal with super S'mores!
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| Madison and Mommy eating smores |
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| David and Carson keeping warm by the fire |
Saturday
It was a late night for everyone. This is what waking up a little late after a fun filled day and night looks like...
This is what eating the best breakfast, made by the best uncle ever looks like...
And this is what photobombing looks like...
We started out the day with making tie-dyed t-shirts for everyone.
And then played with a different kind of horse power for a bit...
Today we stayed a little bit closer to the campsite. David and Carson had fun throwing ice cream at each other! Showed the kids how to make ice cream with milk, vanilla, two freezer bags, salt, and a little bit of ice. Lucy had fun trying to catch "the ball"!
Again, to kill a little time while dinner cooked, Jeff and I took the kids to the local "fishing hole." And again, despite being stocked, we caught NOTHING!
Not quite sure what was going on here but I think Madison was teaching Uncle David how to roll his eyes!
Sunday
The day before leaving and still so much to do. Carson tried to catch Lucy while fishing.
Jumping on the jump pillow with Olivia.
This is the best definition of a lazy river....Daddy holding on to a string that is attached to the raft.
Last year, not so good with the banana bike. This year...aced it!
And to finish the day off...A night time movie...Paddington!
Another relaxing...despite how it looked...and fun filled Memorial day weekend!!!!
