That time we went to the swimmin' hole

A few weeks back, Justin begged me to set up a camping trip...
and I agreed that it would be great to get out and spend some "quality time" together
but reminded him that it is the middle of summer....in Texas.
We compromised on a one night trip to a state park just outside Austin, so if it was a total bust we wouldn't be out a bunch of money or travel time.
That, and they have great pizza at the Mellow Mushroom in Austin.
And great pizza can make all the difference sometimes.

So we made the reservation, and counted down the days.
Once Saturday came around we packed it all up (so much stuff to pack....)
and hit the road to McKinney Falls State Park.
The Upper and Lower Falls are the parks main attraction, and they are quite pretty.
BUT, upon closer inspection, in the summer they more closely resemble a slimy, stinky swimmin' hole.
Now before you go and judge me, you have to understand a few things.

#1 If there is any creepy tummy bug to be contracted from a water source, I will get it!  Trust me.
#2 I have watched too many episodes of Turtle Man to be happily wading in a cloudy murky pond of sorts without being paranoid about what is under the water.
#3 I am very smell sensitive....and getting my whole body in something that smells rather suspect is nearly impossible for me.

I did get in, and take a swim, with Justin and kids close behind me. We watched people jump from the rock ledge, and heard people squeal as something under the water was biting them....fish, turtles???
I lasted about 30 minutes and knew it was time to move on. On the swim back to the shore, a turtle popped up right in front of me to amp up my anxiety....oh, my.
I know I am a "spoiled valley girl", but I couldn't help but feeling so proud of myself for conquering my fear (temporarily), and setting a good example for my kids.
Paige was in tears about the whole thing, so I knew I needed to play along like I was loving it!
River loved every minute of it...he even jumped off the ledge with Justin into the water below.
Should I be nervous about this......

The Upper Falls

 

 

A quick picture with the kids.....but Justin always goes paparazzi style and takes about 20 more before I rip the camera out of his hands.

The Lower Falls....more user friendly....no slime.

Back at camp, we all enjoyed our turn in the new hammock.  It is a two person hammock, so it is actually comfy to share with a friend...or a brother!

I personally enjoyed a little time all by myself....but then the paparazzi took over.

River wanted to go off exploring, but a cautious Momma kept him close by.
Texas has too many creepy things out and about this time of year....snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas.

Cutest Daddy/Daughter shot ever.  Two peas in a pod for sure.

Always art to be made, wherever we go.

And we managed to squeeze in a family game of SORRY.
Paige won.

We headed over to the park as the sun was setting.  We wanted the kids to have some free time in a safer setting, where I didn't have to worry so much about their every step!

And then it was time to take one last hike to watch the sun go down.

There may or may not have been a Bobcat track on the trail....
I wasn't about to disagree with the 4 year old expert.

Mr. Turtle came up to check us out...

All in all it was a great time. 
I will spare you the details of how hot and uncomfortable it truly was....
but this is Texas.
And camping in Texas in the summer may not be for everyone....unless you have an air conditioned trailer.
But this is about making memories with our kids, and they had a blast.
I will be a hot, sweaty, stinky mess of a mom to make them happy....
and let's face it....it makes my husband pretty happy too.

We ended the trip with a morning swim at the Deep Eddy Pool in Austin (which is super cool and historic),
and lunch at the Mellow Mushroom. 
Till next time....