Poinsett State Park was an interesting trip in June for Grayson's birthday. He took a friend along so that was fun for him! The park itself had some unique features and lots of bits of history mixed in. This park is called "mountains of the midlands" and it really does feel a lot like being in the mountains, except it's hot. And humid. And ALL the bugs. The trip overall was very fun. There was a midnight storm...a rough one, that required having the boys run in from the tent to sleep in the bunks. And there was so many bugs. (bugs love me and Grayson. ha). And then there was the storm the second night that caused power and water to go out to campground. And there was no playground for the toddler...we love checking out a good playground when we are camping. It's one of the best ways to run energy out of a toddler! lol. It was an interesting trip. Slightly more stressful than most of our others. I definitely left there thinking we will not be camping the month of June next year. Yep. That's the honest truth. I love camping and adventuring and being with my family, but that trip was rough. Lol. And now, when I reflect back, it was wonderful, too! Those few things were but small moments, and I document this trip with all it's fun memories, because I choose to see all the memories made and fun we had, even with the few not so fun, un-photographed storms and moments.
Grayson wanted a fishing themed cake and celebration, so I made the most of that with the decorations, shirt and cake I made. I think if I had to make a list of my favorite mom things, celebrating their birthdays and making their cake, whatever theme they pick, would for sure be on the list. I love it. It makes me happy!
We played in the rain a bit, just after we got there and set up. Analeigh was my rain buddy while everyone else was off exploring the campground and trails. They did lots of bike riding, running and exploring until it was time to call it a night.
Day 2, everyone woke up ready to go! They rode bikes some more and then we went to the pond for fishing, paddle boating and swimming around. I'm actually not much a fan of pond swimming, so Analeigh didn't partake in this fun and the other kiddos had to keep heads out of the water...stop laughing. This mom is a transitioning adventurer, and I've come a long way, but pond swimming is not a go just yet. ;)
If Daddy and Analeigh could be summed up in a picture, this is it! They are just generally excited to be around one another. She has that way about her anyway and Daddy is all in! I love those two to pieces!
Paddle boating was a fun experience for everyone. They each got a turn and then we let the big boys have at it for a while. That was definitely the topic of conversation for most of the trip!
When Grayson originally scouted out his birthday destination, Woods Bay was his choice, but it's not a camping park, so we picked the next closest one and made an afternoon trip to Woods Bay. It was a beautiful little area, good hiking. I wasn't too crazy about veering off the boardwalk too much with all the children...the water was VERY dark. Too dark for me! So we board walked and read the information signs, stamped their book, used the facilities and headed back to Poinsett.
The evening was spent celebrating Grayson with Cake and hotdogs, glow in the dark balloons and horseshoes, roasted marshmallows and lots of giggles and fun. (and bugs! don't forget the bugs!) Horseshoes had quite the competition going. Grady won against everyone so was officially crowned the horseshoe champ!
When the storm hit the second night and left us with no water (none in the campground...no potties.) and no electricity, we made the decision for me and the 3 littles to head on back. It's the first trip we've every left early, but it just made sense at that point, not knowing when or if the power and water would be back on. We got home mid day and Grayson and Dad stayed behind to pack up and do man things. They had a wonderful time fishing, canoeing, and eating all the nachos! It wasn't part of the original plan but it was so fun for Grayson to have that time. It was a trip full of memories for sure! :)
