Cataloochee 2015

Last weekend was our annual camping trip to Cataloochee to spend the weekend with the elk, deer, and bears. Our camping crew was a bit smaller this year since some of the usual campers had other plans, but those of us that were able to go had a great time.

Jackson took a notebook and had to journal everything we did, as well as any other interesting thing he saw. Ansley enjoyed practicing her handstands and cartwheels without having to worry about knocking over anything . Elsie loved all the time she got to spend with her grandparents and aunts. Vada Belle was excited about all of the sweets that her Mamaw Di and Aunt Pam brought for the kids. Felix has been a needy baby lately, but he was a totally different baby the entire weekend. It was rainy and cold for a lot of the time we were there, but I had him in a snuggly little snowsuit and I would lay him in his little swing and he was so content. He absolutely loved being outdoors!

 Since it was so rainy for a lot of our trip this time, we weren't able to go on any really long hikes (hiking for several hours with 5 wet kids didn't sound like a fantastic time). We did get to go see the elk and visit the usual tourist spots in Cataloochee, though.

Although it was cold and very rainy, we all stayed warm and dry at night in our tent.

 Sunday before we left the weather finally broke a little, and we were able to enjoy some nice little walks through the woods before we headed home.

 Here Vada Belle is with what she said was her "baby pineapple," or better known as a pine cone. Also, notice the hot chocolate that is all over her jacket. Another sweet smiling picture of Baby Felix loving being outside and Jackson and Vada inside on the barns.

 The kids hanging out at our campsite and checking out the spring house in the woods:

 While we were visiting the old school building, there happened to be a large elk that walked right up near where we were. I grabbed the kids and made them all come inside the school, but we loved that we were right up close to him.

Despite the rain and cold weather, we still had a fantastic time. We've already got our spot for next year booked, and hopefully it won't be so rainy then.