Natural Bridge - Day Three

Warming up after we were attacked by water.

By day three we were over it and gave up on cooking over a fire and eating sandwiches - Trevor is literally saying "roughing it" here for our photo. That pizza was damn good and worth it the kids ate almost an entire pizza by themselves.

Today was the day to visit the Caverns. While they were a bit disappointing (there were no formations, etc. like you see on the commercials for Luray Caverns), it was the perfect amount for the kids and they were still captivated. Heather is still convinced she saw bats (ain't no way she saw any). They really enjoyed their trek into the earth and we did not have to carry either one of them. Afterwards, we stopped at Foamhendge for Eric. Its Stonehendge made out of foam. The kids were confused as to why one would build that and I gave up attempting to explain because I had no real reason why one would build it either. Eric liked it and was giggling and taking pictures like a little kid! We also visited Lorikeet Landing at the Safari Park, swam some more, played on the playground with their new friends and went on a water fight wagon ride. Getting pegged by a giant water balloon in the head and then a giant water bazooka does NOT feel good and neither me nor Trevor were fans. Trevor was shielded under my towel and I absorbed the brunt of the battle. I ended up getting really really mad and attacked with a vengance. Heather loved it! The evening we went on a flashlight treasure hunt and her new friends invited us out to the field where they lit luminaries which then rose into the stary sky like hot air balloons. The kids were impressed but exhausted and desparate to go to bed.

Natural Bridge - Day Two

Getting ready for the "glowy" wagon ride with our light up glasses and glow bracelets.

Here's where Eric started getting mad at me. I'm feeding this elk from the sunroof. He's screaming about scratching the car. The Elk ended up snatching my bucket.

The safari was packed but it worked out well because Trevor was able to take a nap.



Even Eric got into the feeding.

Our car is trashed. I plan to spend this week cleaning it up.

Back at the safari park.

Of course, my little model Heather looks perfect in this photo - she's the only one besides the tiger!

Riding the elephant.

Trevor decided to take on an alligator - all right so its not real - he was really into it!

After my llama mauling, I inquired where the kids had gone and why I was the only one in the pen. The response was several snickers. I think I was set up.

They loved the baby camel. He was so soft and keep bawling. He just wanted anyone to touch him and keep him company.

The zoo had lots of babies!

Back at the KOA campgrounds.

Saturday we went to the Natural Bridge Zoo, got lunch to go at the Pink Cadillac Diner (we were concerned about leaving the dog and his barking, but later found out he was doing great via a nice neighbor who let us know that another cabin had three yipping dogs and thus we had nothing to worry about), did another Safari Park tour, yet more swimming, played some air hockey (watch out the kids are pretty good if you challenge them), played at the various playgrounds and went on a night time wagon ride provided by the campground. The campground had daily and nightly activities for all the kids - that was an unplanned bonus but the catch was we didn't know to plan for it so we had to constantly purchase the gimicks at their store so our kids could participate. Luckily their stuff was pretty reasonably priced. Saturday night the wagon ride theme was glowy. They failed to mention that once the wagon started, you were to scream your heads off the entire time and use any noisemakers you have. Two kids next to us had whistles. Trevor and I did NOT appreciate the whistles and I honestly thought about shoving one of them down....well I degress. At the zoo we got our photo with a baby tiger and fed him milk. I also got mauled by llamas and we rode an elephant. After all that, you'd think Trevor would pick something exciting to be his favorite but my boy picks the fish tank that's in the gift shop right as you walk in. Heather's favorite was the elephant....I think. She keeps changing her mind!

Family Vacation in Natural Bridge - Day One

Photo of our front porch.

Trevor was pretending to be a flamingo.

Up close to a tiger.

Heather wasn't as brave as she was last year!

Trevor was just unsure as to what to do during the whole process.

The campground had a few play areas - this was the big one.

The dog enjoyed the dog park....until other dogs showed up. We opted out after this first visit.

The kids loved the pool at the campgrounds - it was FREEZING but they loved to swim, swim, swim!

Their first time in bunkbeds. They enjoyed the experience.

This is what the car looked like before we left.

We headed out to the KOA campgrounds in Natural Bridge. We had a one bedroom cabin with no bathroom or kitchen. It actually wasn't bad! We all fit, had a lovely porch swing, were located right next to a climbing gym, little kids playground, the pool, the office where all the stuff you can buy is, the dog had some grass to go to the bathroom on and we enjoyed the experience. We made a fire every night and cooked smores. We have many stories to tell so I will have to break it up on the blog! Enclosed are photos of our FIRST day. The first day consisted of getting there, swimming, playing on playground, going to the safari park and cooking our first meal outside! I think we visited the Safari Park three times. Maybe four. I must point out that the Safari Park is literally around the corner from the campground. A hilly field separates their driveways. I must also note that our Reston Zoo passes gave us free entry so that worked in our favor as well! We only had to purchase any buckets of feed we wanted to use.

Kids and I went to the Lake this weekend (UPDATED WITH PHOTOS)

Ready for action on the boat. We went to get pizza!

Checking out the bait - fish?!!! Did someone say fish?!!

Fishing with Tom on the dock.

There are minnows down there too!

We had a wonderful, relaxing time. Camera's been located!