Back-to-School Basics

We went back to school this week. After such a wonderful summer, only Corinna was eager to return.

She began first grade.

Drake is in third.

Hayden entered his last year at Southwood. It's hard to believe we have a fifth grader!

It was a chaotic week for me, as I was asked Tuesday to take on a maternity leave substitute position. I'll be in the second grade until mid-November. We all survived the first 3 days.......only 177 more to go!

Smoky Mountain Montage

We spent the weekend camping and rafting in Cherokee, NC. Three other families joined the fun in the Great Smoky Mountains.

(note to my faithful readers: I was attempting to be creative and vary the placement of my pictures in this post. It appeared different to me during the process. For example, the text did not run down beside of the pictures. I am not pleased with the layout, the empty spaces between pictures, etc. However, I do not have the time to redo this post. So, excuse the layout and enjoy the pictures of our weekend adventure. I'm sure there was a way to fix it, but here goes as is. Enjoy!)

Yogi

Cindy

and Boo Boo Bear were waiting for all 17 of us to arrive.

We stayed at Jellystone Campground. It was quite family friendly.


Prior to reaching the campground, we were welcomed by Elton the Elk.

Setting up the tent has become a team sport.

The kids enjoy their Friday evening meal.

checking out the river

breakfast

the Hey Hey Ride

The kids missed this one but climbed aboard the Glow Stick ride Saturday night.

We ventured to Dillsboro (and it was quite an adventure getting there) for our scheduled rafting trip.

Yes, it rained the entire time.

nothing like catching a few raindrops

The kids pose before we head down the Tuckaseegee River.

Too bad I was unable to take a picture of J.J. being ejected from the watercraft. But he did earn his camping name this weekend. From here on out while camping, my husband can be referred to as Launches From Raft.

Elton was in the same spot as we returned to the campground Saturday afternoon. Pardon the blurry window shot but it was still raining for crying out loud.

It was still raining so the kids cozied up in the Broom's RV.

Beth was even so kind to supply snacks.

our campsite

the river that ran beside the campground

It cleared up Saturday afternoon and we went on a hike to Mingo Falls. We were beginning to wonder if this was it. The signage was quite poor. Most of the group turned around but four of us prevailed.

















Here is Mingo Falls.

We were glad we didn't turn around as the view was spectacular.

I chaperoned some of the kids at the pool.

Jiffy POP!

a jam session

dancing (I think Laci got hit in the face as I shot this one)

roasting marshmallows a la carte or for s'mores

more bluegrass music

"Smoking Mit" in action.......can't have too much Jiffy Pop

Noah sings the campfire blues. (many lyrics referred to poor driving directions and rafting in the rain)

Sunday morning I enjoyed my special pancake made by Styr-Fry, aka "Sleeps On Chair."

some of the crew

We had plenty to eat all weekend. Guess all that rowing and the 4 mile hike did me good.

Our weekend wouldn't have been the same without the Camping Silly Bands.

"Hey, I'll trade ya a canoe for a teepee!"

The campground offered crafts for the kids (for a fee). We didn't participate.

basketball

the gals on the playground

hide-n-seek

Ranger Smith and Hayden

We had fun with Yogi in the Smokies.

We stopped for a while in downtown Cherokee as we were heading home.

We saw some authentic Cherokee dancers.

They asked for volunteers from the audience to join them in a friendship dance.

It was a weekend to remember.