This year, we wanted to take the kids on a vacation. At their age, I don't think they really appreciate how elaborate a vacation is, but instead what activities are included. We decided to stay fairly local, and go on a float trip. The kids didn't know what to expect, as evidenced by their lack of excitement when we initially told them. But they soon found out how fun a float trip can be.
First, we decided to "practice" camp at home two nights beforehand. This way, we knew we wouldn't forget any necessities. I'm glad we did, because once we began setting up, we realized we couldn't find our tent from last year and I had to make a mad dash to buy a new one.
On our float trip, we stayed at a night family-friendly campground on a week night to avoid too many people. We floated a five-mile float in a six-man raft. It ended up taking us six hours to float. The weather was fantastic -- a little overcast but warm, with the sun peeking through the clouds later in the afternoon.
The kids were equipped with floating devices, goggles, water shoes, and water cameras.
"Where's the flash on this thing?" "Is there even a zoom?" "I think I took three photos just now."
The kids were very confused as to the lack of technology on the old-fashion disposable cameras. Keane and I got a kick out of it.
It ended up raining and storming on us that night so all of our camping supplies were wet, hindering us from having our morning breakfast over the campfire. Instead, we got some snacks at the store on site, let the kids swim, attempted to fish with no luck, and made a couple stops on our way home, at Swiss Meats and Hermann Wurst Haus.
Once we made it home, we all crashed for a long, much-needed nap, and decided on a few other activities the following day. We took the kids to Cameron Cave in Hannibal, Missouri. This cave has no electricity, unlike the Mark Twain Caverns. The founder wanted to leave the cave exactly as it was found, so we explored the cave using flashlights. It was by far my favorite cave adventure yet.
We then played a game of putt putt (Keane won, Kaden beat me by two strokes, and little Kylie came in last). We fed the fish while we were there and got some large ice cream cones. We went to Lover's Leap to enjoy the view and eat our ice cream.
I can't forget that we all celebrated Lenox's 3rd birthday with a heart-shaped birthday cake made mostly by Kylie. Lenox would only get so close to the candles, even though he sure was ecstatic for the celebration!
We finished our vacation by a fishing adventure at the "new pond" in the boat. We all caught some bluegill, Kylie catching the most and Kaden catching the largest. Keane also caught himself a bass. Guess what we had for supper that night...
I thoroughly enjoyed our family vacation week. I am, as the countless four- and five-leaf clovers I am forever finding, as well as my very handsome husband prove, a very lucky girl.
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