Adventures at Turkey Run State Park

Yes, fall has arrived and for our family that means visiting parks and looking for new hiking adventures. Today we explored new territory. We drove west and headed to Turkey Run State Park. What an amazing place. It felt like we stepped back in time with the sandstone cliffs, streams and old fallen trees. Nature has been preserved very well in this park.
Sophie and Ian really enjoyed this hike. We probably covered 3 miles and Ian walked 99% of it and there were LOTS of stairs and ladders. He did not want us to hold him...he could do it all by himself. Yes, we're in the "Mr. Independent" stage. We couldn't even keep up with Sophie, she was moving so fast. It was interesting because she was moving forward at the speed of light to see what challenge was ahead and Ian stopped every second to pick up some new special rocks. His hands and pockets were always packed full of rocks as was every other little boy and girl his age that we passed on the trail. I don't understand the fascination with rocks but I think I'm going to take a closer look because maybe I'm missing something. Anyway, we had some laughs along the way. The first time we heard a woodpecker pecking Ian said: "Mom, did you hear that? I said yes and he said "that was my tummy, I must be hungry." I said, no that was a woodpecker...so then, we heard it again and to be silly he said....."I have a woodpecker in my tummy". He has continued to say it throughout the day. Back at the Nature Center he was able to see pictures of woodpeckers and other birds so he thought that was neat. Another fun day for the Porter family. Below you can see Ian with his rocks.

Mixed Up Day

I knew it was a camera moment when Ian came out of Sophie's room with a tu tu and tiara on. He looked so adorable making his request for the Bella Dancerella DVD. After a good half hour of ballet with Sophie his big sister asks to play a game of catch with her dad. I thought....that's a little mixed up...our son wants to do ballet and our daughter wants to play football with her dad. Somethings not right with this picture.

Nature Hike at Cool Creek

Today we did a nature hike at Cool Creek Park. I love spending family time together doing outdoor activities. It feels like we're the only ones on earth and all of the regular stresses of life are gone. It is so awesome to see nature through Sophie and Ian's eyes. I mean, every twig, rock, leaf, stream, bridge, root, insect is like the coolest thing ever. So many questions come up as they discover nature... it is such a fun way to learn about the world around us. It is also neat to watch Sophie and Ian run and chase one another. It is so obvious that they are our kids.



Sophie and Ian had a blast today. In the collage above you'll see how proud Sophie was about making it across the creek over all of the rocks. Ian had to try as well but ended up with wet and cold feet. We'll try again in a few months. :-)

End of Summer Fun at Smith Mountain Lake

We just returned from a week long visit to Grandma and Grandpa Porters at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Sophie and Ian LOVED being at the lake and spending time with their grandparents. Sophie thought she was hot stuff driving the boat. It was funny because grandpa "really" let her do the steering and there were moments with the dock in sight that I thought we might run out of gas before we made it to the dock :-)

Sophie and Ian had their swim suites on most of the time. They both had a blast swimming in the lake, jumping off of rafts, tubing, kayaking and watching their dad water ski. When the swim suites were off they enjoyed movies and books with grandma and grandpa, playing in the sand box, playing with Molly dog and watching grandpa play with his remote controlled boat. Ian especially liked looking through grandpa's telescope. He usually had a great aim on the ceiling or floor but he thought it was pretty cool! Thanks for a fun week Grandma and Grandpa!