Sunday, August 14, 2011

Goin' on a trip!

    We took Jacob on his first vacation! We went camping at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana for 4 days the first weekend in August. My parents and three sisters were there, too. I was a little worried about the weather, but it turned out to be perfect! Sunny & in the 80's everyday, while cool at night!
    Even though I grew up camping, doing it with a 1yr old was quite different. It wasn't bad, though. The sun just woke up a little earlier since we slept in a tent and he had some trouble falling asleep in strange sleeping quarters; but once he fell asleep, he slept well.
    I think the biggest excitement for Jacob was simply being outside all the time. He's definately an outdoorsy type. There were also several people at the campground that brought their dogs. And Jacob loves  dogs! Every time he would see one his pacifier would drop out of his mouth and he would take off, walking as fast as his little legs would carry him, pointing and saying, "Oooohhh! Ooooohhh!" I was glad all the dogs we met were friendly enough for him to pet them and poke them in the face.
   Since it was our first experience camping with a toddler, we kind of forgot to get our camera out very often. So I'll be adding more pictures as they get emailed to me from my family :)


My little adventurer :)


Trying to open the bubbles Grandma Cichon brought for him!


Jacob had no problem adjusting to the dusty camping style...


There was no way to keep this little guy clean! I kind of enjoyed the break though, it was tons of fun.


Napping on our air mattress. At night, Jacob slept on the sleeping bag between our air mattress & the wall. That way, if he did wake up, he couldn't sneak out!


Trying on hats in the the lodge store. 
LOVE this one ;)


Nature Center at Turkey Run
This little tunnel was just his size! In the window behind him, there was a snake he kept peeking in at. 
Eeek! Don't get any ideas, Jacob. I hate snakes!


Father & Son time before bed. Reading one of Jacobs favorite books; Brown Bear, Brown Bear.


Sharon, Dad, & Julie
About to start their hike! On the other side of that cement wall there are stairs going up to a suspension bridge crossing a river. Once you cross it, there are miles and miles of beautiful trails to choose from!


For dinner one night, we ate at the lodge. It was nice to be served & not have to do dishes. And even though the food was delicious, I still think my dad is the best chef ever!


Hanging out after dinner.
This night was the first time I had ever seen Jacob run. I have seen him try to run, but it's always been just a fast walk. But tonight, it was crazy watching him... There was a bounce in his steps and he was running super fast all over the room!


Dad & me :)


Dad & Mom


This little guy was about ready to crash. I think these were the most active days he'd had in a row. He LOVED it!


There are few things in life better than a shoulder/back rub from my Dad. 


Eating lunch! 


The Grandparents took Jacob for an afternoon while James & I went out on some trails. 


We're in the middle of the suspension bridge! 


Mixed feelings about not coming across any bears. But kinda glad we didn't after all the attacks we've been hearing about! (not in this area though)


These were some intense strength training & cardio trails! This was the top of 3 ladders we had to climb at this part of the trail. Other parts had flight after flight of stairs while some were just a steep incline/decline.


Certain trails brought us into the valley; there was a nice cool breeze down there. 
There were also a lot of streams of cold spring water, making its way to the river.





So. Beautiful.

More to come!

2 comments:

  1. Great pictures, as always! Take a look at your anniversary ticker too.. 2-2-2-2 pretty momentous ;)

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  2. Looks like Jacob is a lover of the outdoors!! He is so cute!! Looks like you and the fam had a good time as well!!!

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