Getting Back into the Swing of Things

I cannot believe how long it has been since I have posted. What a great summer we had. Now that it is coming to an end I intend on getting back into the swing of things with my blogging.

Our summer officially came to an end last week when we got home from our last camping trip of the year. It may of been the last trip of the year, but it was by far the best. We camped on top of the highest point in Missouri - Taum Sauk Mtn. When I first told Dakota and Bethany my plans of this trip they were doubtful of the fun it would bring (mainly when I told them there would be no shower house or flushable toilets). When we arrived on top of the mountain and began looking for the perfect spot to set up camp I began to have a few doubts myself. We would basically be camping in the woods with no one around. I repeated several times "this is okay" I was more trying to convince myself. The first night was a sleepless one for me. I admit now that I was scared, but of course I would never admit it to the kids then. The one time I fell into a deep sleep I was awakened by Bethany shaking me in fear. A deer had walked right up to the tent and snorted. After Dakota informed us of what it was I managed to get a couple hours of sleep. The next night was also filled with critter fun. As we were playing games in the tent we decided it was time for a snack. We had pulled our cooler up to the door of the tent. I reached in and got our goodies. As we were snacking we decided we needed another soda, I turned around and what to my wondering eyes, was a raccoon standing there opening our cooler. I am sure that my screams are still echoing thru the mountains. The kids also learned that just because there is no "bathroom" hygiene was still an important part of our daily tasks. We had a make shift bathroom and each day we warmed our water, washed our hair and did our other grooming tasks.

We hiked to Mina Sauk falls. It was an amazing hike, looking out over the rolling hills makes me wonder how anyone could ever doubt in God our Creator. Due to the lack of rain the fall was not flowing so we intend to go back during the rainy season. We rock climbed to the bottom of the falls and I do believe climbing back up is where I messed my knee up. There was a few times that I had to stop and pray for strength. lol We also climbed a lookout tower on top of the mountain. It was during this climb that I realized Dakota's fear of heights. Or as we say around here - not so much a fear of heights as a fear of falling and not so much of falling as hitting the ground at enormous rate of speed. It was very windy and he climbed down in half the time as Bethany and I. He claimed that he could just see the possibility of disaster. We took our Bible to the highest point that was marked by a surveyor and we sat in that place and had devotion and prayer. Elephant Rock State Park was another enjoyable spot of our trip. The kids had never been there and we found it very enjoyable. The whole trip was a homeschooling mom's delight! So many educational moments. Dakota and Bethany both have told me that it was the best camping trip ever! We will definitely be going back next year. After a few lessons learned, next time may even be better.