Devil's Hopyard

Here we are, at Devil's Hopyard State Forest Campground--

campsite number . . .

13

I cut out of work a little early last Friday and the girls and I

went on a mini-camping adventure.

I grew-up camping and really enjoy it.

I love sharing it with Josie and Clara Rose-- and they are enjoying this time as well.

Josie was a bit miffed at first-- this was a rustic campground.

No running water, much less frills such as Yogi and Boo-Boo bear-- there wasn't even a playground!

But . . .

There were lots of woods to explore and we happened upon this really cool waterfall, 

so she soon decided that this place was fun! 

Clara Rose is easy-- she generally thinks most anything is fun.

Soon they were off giving me little heart attacks--

one right after the other!

Exploring the water all around the falls. 

Back at the campsite I sent them on a mission to forage some extra

wood for the fire.

I mostly needed to get a few things set up without any extra "help."

Imagine my surprise when I saw them coming out of the woods carrying this big log! 

Clara Rose told me she didn't think I could burn it in half!

Huh!?  Game on!

We roasted hot dogs, marshmallows etc.

Stayed up way past our bedtimes.

That log held fast! 

The next day we were off to a Dragon Boat festival

that was nearby to the campground. 

We watched some of the races,

 some of the performances, including one by China's beloved Monkey King.

It was quite hot, we cooled off with some tasty frozen treats. 

Then we headed back to our campsite, where Wim was waiting

for us and we all headed down the wooded path to splash

around and cool off. 

More waterfall fun! 

The girls thought Wim was hilarious when he pretended to take a shower! 

Another night full of roasting hot dogs, smores, and . . .

That ginormous log finally burned in half! 

We stayed up way past bedtime again--

The girls enjoyed a little leapster time in the tent before turning off the light. 

It was another fun camping trip!

And, that is 13 pictures, from camping at campsite #13 at the

Devil's Hopyard!

Late Nights and Sunny Days

We tend to let the girls stay up a little later in the summer-- mostly on the weekends.

During our vacation week, they get to stay up even later-- pretty much every night.

After our big day at StoryLand, they were thrilled to go

on an after dark walk with the a couple toys they choose at the park-- a "glow-up" wand and pirate sword.

 The mornings were filled with relaxed walks along the country road.

Phoebe especially appreciates this part of vacation!

There is a really old historic cemetery along the road we walk.

Josie has recently taken an interest in cemeteries.

Clara Rose lost interest once she realized there were no

mummies around for her viewing and comedic pleasure. 

Ye ye and I took a day back home to

hike along the scenic coast. 

It was a lovely day (with quite a breeze) to hike along the water

and as  always-- 

We had some great views! 

We compensated our fan-club for our absence by

bringing home to live treats for dinner. 

As one would expect, Clara Rose was a bit more enthusiastic to

hold one of the water bugs than was her big Sis.

I was barely able to get this Pict of Josie-- but she didn't want to

be completely out-done by her little sister. 

Happily Ever After at Storyland

Vacation just wouldn't be vacation with

our annual excursion to StoryLand!

I am really making the most of this because I think

we only have one year-- two at best, in which these two little thrill seekers will still

enjoy this kiddie theme park.

Ye ye was quite the sport carrying our Kitty-kitty backpack full of supplies! 

That Yeye!

He is never be known to shy away from a silly good time! 

The girls got their fill of fun sites-- the talking tree, the tree house slide,

playing inside the pumpkin house . . . 

Talking to the old lady who lived in a shoe . . . 

Playing in a windmill house. . . 

The pumpkin carriage ride to meet 

A princess. 

Not to mention the other fun and silliness that abounds at StoryLand. 

Watch out for that water fountain!  It has some bite on it! 

Of course the rides!

Many were rode several times.

The German rocking carousel. 

A Swan Boat to never land, where all the flowers and butterflies were

robbed on their bright colors! 

More than a little time was spent in the Loopy Lab gathering and shooting balls! 

Flying Whales and

Flying fish! 

Driving Tractors 

Of course Bamboo Chutes (Log Flume) 

It was a fun day enjoyed by all!!!

Hiking Around the Mountain

We had a lovely vacation week.

It was our usual semi-staycation, but filled with lots of fun!

Josie checked out the chickens up at the barn.

They like to peck at corn cobs.

There was oodles of activity climbing trees!

I have to say, skorts are one of the best inventions for little girls, EVER! 

Ye Ye came out for his annual visit.

Josie and Clara Rose (all of us) were excited to see him.

Once a year just isn't enough!

We all set off on a hike in the White Mountains Region. 

Big Cousin Nate and Clara Rose, buddied-up! 

It was a long 1.5 miles, pretty much straight up through the forest. 

We were all rewarded with spectacular views at the top. 

Everyone was all smiles at the top!

Feeling very proud of their expedition. 

OK, maybe not, quite everyone was equally as thrilled with the long hike. 

The views were definitely worth it!