Friendscation and Mammoth Cave National Park

We started on our journey to Mammoth Cave National Park and Jellystone Park around 12:30 today after enjoying a relaxing morning at Chris and Aribi's. It was only a 3.5 hour drive to our new destination. Thom and I thought we had planned it out pretty darn well that we would drive while the kids took naps; they had other ideas.  Teddy, who only had to stop twice on our 7 hour drive down for a bathroom break, had to take 3 bathroom breaks in the first 2 hours of our drive today.  Due to these breaks, Rocky woke up after 45 minutes. This led to a sassy evening from both. We stopped in Bowling Green, KY to get a few items from Walmart before heading to Jellystone Park.  Due to our extra stops we couldn't make it to the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center to ask about hikes before it closed this evening so we went directly to Jellystone Park.  We arrived at Jellystone Park around 5:00 and got our cabin assignment.  As I was checking in another couple stepped...

It has been another beautiful, relaxing day. I got to sleep in while Thom got up with the boys. Aribi brought over some legos so the boys were entertained. Thom and I cooked a pork butt for pulled pork tacos for lunch.  While the kids napped Sarah and I enjoyed some pool time to ourselves. After some pool time Sarah and I returned to Chris and Aribi’s house because we thought the boys wanted to swim without kids too. When we arrived we found that it was nap time for everyone! All were sleeping.  I grabbed my book and sat on their patio for awhile...and fell asleep.  The temperature, light breeze and outdoor sounds were just too much to not sleep. Once everyone was awake we headed back to the pool for our last swim. Teddy has been practicing jumping off the side of the pool into my arms and decided he would try the diving board. It took some convincing, but he did it! He was so proud. Thom tried to do a flip...it didn’t turn out so pretty! For dinner we tried a local...

This morning Rocky was the first to wake up bright and early. I made the deal with Thom that if I woke up today, I would get to sleep in tomorrow. He accepted the deal so I was up early. Rocky and I played with Dustin and Kennedy while everyone else slept. Teddy slept until 8:15/30ish! Poor buddy had a nose bleed throughout the night. The pool sure wears him out! After the kids ate a quick breakfast, breakfast burritos were made for the adults. They were delicious. Because the men went golfing yesterday, the girls got to enjoy some pool time on our own without the boys or kids. After preparing lunch and getting the kids ready the men and kids joined us! It was very relaxing to float on a floatie without worrying about kids, but it sure is enjoyable to watch them explore and play in the pool. We played for well over an hour before breaking for our charcuterie tray lunch. Once nap time approached the kiddos went down for bed and the men went golfing again. I tried to read some of my ...

On Wednesday, July 8th we made the trek to McLeansboro, IL for our Annual Friendscation trip. Chris and Aribi were gracious to allow us to stay at their house. Due to a wedding and moving, the Schneeberger and Wallace families were not able to make it. We left at 7:00 am for our 7 hour drive. The boys were amazing in the car.  We only made one stop for gas and lunch outside of St. Louis. We arrived at the Bowzer home around 3:00pm.  The evening was relaxing. We enjoyed time at Aribi’s parents’ home and swimming pool before grilling out and staying up late talking.  Thursday the men went golfing at the McLeansboro golf course and the girls and kids went on a walk. It was in a wooded area that opened into a pasture with a pond. Although it was short, it was hot, humid and sweaty!  After lunch, naps and a lesson/ game of Catan we went back to the pool. Some of the Bowzer’s friends were invited over for a little baby shower for Aribi, who is due at the end of ...