Tyler State Park 6-30-09

While Stephen was still off on FMLA from work in Houston, we decided to take a little get away. We went to Tyler State Park for a night. We had a blast! It was just what we needed after being inside and getting used to having another baby in the family and getting adjusted. It was such a good refresher for me especially. Just to be able to sit back, take a walk, cook outside, not do laundry or dishes...it was so relaxing! We kinda had an abrupt ending, but everything worked out just fine. Martin ended up riding his little scooter right into a curb, and jammed his handle bar on his top lip. His two upper front teeth went through his lip, and his teeth got pushed back a good ways. We stayed there that evening and drove to the dentist the next morning and were there by 6:30 am. The dentist tried to pull them forward, but because his gum was also smashed, they didn't go back all the way. He said we would have to keep an eye on them, so we will see.

Enjoying oatmeal for breakfast.

Thankfully, the kids love oatmeal and usually want a 2nd helping.

Everyone sitting down for breakfast.

There we are with the camper in the background.

There are our 4 big kiddos- ready to go play and explore. The kids ran and played in the woods pretending they were deer jumping over logs and branches. I just loved listening to there ideas and squeals of delight.

I think Stephen must have told them to hold hands...they look so cute.

We decided to go on a walk to the front desk to pay for our camp site.

But before we went, I wanted to get a family picture while everyone was still clean and matching and decent looking.

They had quite a few good hills that we walked up and down that helped work off the oatmeal and made us hungry for lunch. Bella got a ride towards the end on the stroller with James and Elaina.

Then we went for a walk on a little trail. It said "No Bikes" so we figured since we were walking, it would be fine. Well, we were walking, yes, but we were also pushing a stroller. There were quite a few spots that we had to either pick up the stroller and go through because it was to rough due to the tree roots and steps. I had to take James out and carry him because it was to bouncy. Now we know that "No Bikes" also means "No Strollers". But hey, we made it to the end.

Martin, Millie, and Bella were usually running up ahead and occasionally hiding in the bushes. I remember doing that when we took family walks on our camping trips growing up.

This was such a cute little bridge. I couldn't help but take another family picture here. We set the camera up on the stroller and tried to get everyone to say "cheese" at the same time.

Papa, and the 4 big kids swimming in the lake. Stephen would take turns holding each child and swimming them around. There were 4 steps that the kids played on, but other than that it was deeper and the kids can't swim by themselves.

There was a little sandy area where they had a volleyball net set up right next to the edge of the water.

Papa and his 2 big girls, Millie and Bella.

Martin man wanting to go out to the deep water, but sticking close to the side.

Elaina enjoyed getting splashed.

Then they all went to play on the playground. Here is Millie climbing up the wall.

And Bella right behind her.

There is Martin coming down the slide.

Stephen wanted to treat us to some burgers, so after going to 3 stores, we finally came back with what we would need for supper. In the mean time, he bought us an ice cream treat which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

We had all of the wet clothes hanging out to dry. Stephen was flipping burgers...boy were they ever good!

Martin and his scooter (before his accident).

Silly Millie.

Bella smiling for yet another picture.

Elaina never minds smiling. She is always so happy.

There is little James on my lap enjoying the great outdoors.