Cowan Lake 2010 - the Playground

Today starts the beginning of our annual fall trip to Cowan Lake. This year we have two cabins, so we can spread out more and not have everyone and everything crammed into one small space. Each day I'll be posting pics. from favorite things while we do or see while we are there. Today we celebrate the playground and the joy the kids find while playing there.Ellie can swing so high now that it makes me nervous

That's one way to go down the slide

The girls tried holding hands while they went down

Ellie has turned into quite the poser for pictures

Heading for Home

After the vans were packed, we took a few last pics. on the picnic table outside. It was only after we got home that we realized the picnic table was on a hill. Oops!

Aunt Katie and the kids

Mimi, Papaw, and the kids

They love each other...really!

Fall Pics. by the Amphitheater

Near the lake is an old stone amphitheater where they used to show movies and have bonfires. We decided to used it as the backdrop for some family pictures.

Emmy in a tree

Jacob

Gabrielle

The Big Kids

Mom and her 3

Nathan and Me

Katie and Jacob

Hiking

We were able to go hiking several times while at the lake. Jacob took full advantage of his new rubber boots (Pam, are those "Wellies" in England?) and hiked in the lake too! We saw lots of animals tracks, a few different bugs, and lots of fallen leaves.

Andy and Alora

On the bridge

Let's play a game of "Where's my husband?"
There's no way you could talk me into doing that!

Peek-a-Boo!

At the Playground

Although it was a little chilly, we were still able to play outside on the playgrounds several times

S'mores

We made s'mores several times while we were at the cabin. The wood was a little wet, so it took some coaxing to get a fire started (as observed in the picture above!). The kids loved roasting their own marshmallows and then assembling it into a stack of yummy goodness. Our new favorite is using Keebler Fudgestripe Cookies instead of the graham crackers and chocolate...trust me, if you liked the original s'mores, you'll love this new update!

I love this picture of Mom and Emmaline waiting for the fire to get started

Finally time to roast!

Yummy!

What happens to kids after several s'mores!

Cowan Lake - End of Day 1

Even though it was wet and chilly, we went for a walk in the dark. Since most people are at work/school during the week, the park is almost deserted. It's nice having the place to ourselves.You can't take a walk without bringing proper hydration

And don't forget to bring your flashlight!

Cowan Lake - Mom's Birthday

Mom's birthday was on the 16th, so we celebrated when everyone was together at the cabin at Cowan Lake. Katie brought a yummy red velvet cake and there were balloons everywhere. Mom had a good time opening her presents and laughing at the kids draped in streamers.

If you don't have party hats, try streamers.
You might resemble Marley from "A Christmas Carol", but at least you'll be festive!

Jacob wanted to look like an Indian

Ellie helped blow up the balloonsEmmaline loved playing with them

Happy Anniversary!

Dad and Mom celebrated 34 years of marriage while we were at the cabin.

Jacob enjoys the chocolate sign from on top of the cake

Ellie loves cake

Andy wants another piece

Sweet Emmy

Matching Shirts

My parents bought the kids "Cowan Lake" shirts from the commissary.

Mommy and her kiddos

World's Greatest Kids

Jacob

Gabrielle

Emmaline