Washington, DC & The Great Smoky Mountains–Day 6-Laurel Falls Hike

On Friday, we got up, ate some breakfast, and got ready for our day. Getting ready was certainly more interesting on this camping trip than on others that we’ve taken. One of my requirements for camping is that where we are staying must have flush toilets and hot showers. Elkmont has flush toilets. No showers. So…to make this work, I was able to shower in the Roadtrek. It was an exciting experience, and I ended up clean every morning.

So, after getting ready, we made our way to Laurel Falls to hike.

Charlotte was my hiking buddy. She made it up the entire trail on her own two little legs.

A view of the Smokies from the trail.

We made it to Laurel Falls!

Ian and Charlotte walked part of the way down like this. It started raining near the end of the trail. I don’t think we can go camping where it at least doesn’t rain a few drops.

Enjoying the campfire.

Washington, DC & The Great Smoky Mountains–Day 5-Great Smoky Mountains & Jonathan’s Birthday

We were up and out early from Jason’s and heading to Tennessee for a few days of camping at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains with Jonathan’s parents and his sister’s family.

We were the last to arrive (it took awhile to drive across Virginia), but the kids wasted no time joining their cousins in the stream just down from Richard and Janice’s campground.

This spot afforded many-a-hour of adventure and fun.

Our set=up around the campfire at Janice and Richard’s site. We did all the cooking and hanging out over here. Our campsite and the Harris’ site was across the street, away from the stream.

Janice made dinner for us our first night.

Rosemary was so excited to hold babies. Charlotte was, too.

It was Jonathan’s birthday, so we celebrated with cake. We’d had cake with Jason and Nikki the night before, too.

Ben & Ian

Opening presents.

Independence Day at the Beach

We braved the crowds once again to celebrate July 4 at the beach. The forecast said rain would be coming in the afternoon, but we headed over any way hoping to beat the rain and enjoy some beach time.

It was crowded, but not too bad. We found an open spot and set up our little camp.

The boogie boards are almost always in use now.

Ben caught a wave. This boy is not afraid to get in that water.

I used the boogie board a bit, too.

Janice and Richard met us for a bit, too. The rain wasn’t too far off, so we started packing up. It started as we were finishing loading up, and as we made our way to the exit ramp (with everyone else) a full on deluge had begun. We waited a few minutes in the car before getting changed to make our way to Palatka for dinner.

We had a little bit of a wait at Corky Bells, but while we waited, Ben opened his gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Peine.

After dinner, we headed down to the water for some photos.

That night, Jonathan set up our fireworks display.

Charlotte wore some ear protection.

And some sparklers to finish off the evening.

Ballet Recital 2014: The Love of Christ Can Melt a Frozen Heart

Once again, Doxa’s recital told the story of Christ’s redeeming love. We love this dance studio. This year, we took Ben for the first time. He did great!

Grandma and Grandpa Workmaster

Grandma and Grandpa Peine

Rosemary and two of her co-op friends, Lucy and Drew

Afterwards, with all the flowers.

With Derek and Drew

This year’s professional picture.

Five recitals already. How is this possible???