Camping

Late in September, we went to Taum Sauk Mountain to camp.  For those of you who do not know, Taum Sauk is the highest point in Missouri, and that says a lot!  ;)

Jack and Patrick enjoyed helping Daddy set up the tent.

Charlie enjoyed finding things on the ground and seeing how quickly he could put them in his mouth before Mommy saw him.  Sometimes, she had to get a quick picture before taking it away from him!

Jack brought his backpack with him so he could collect all kinds of treasures.

Family picture at the campsite:

Daddy and his boys on our short hike to the look-out point.

Patrick wanted to walk with Charlie.  He is such a good big brother (most of the time).

Family picture at the look-out:

This was our view of the night sky.  Beautiful.

Charlie woke up before dawn and Jim got up with him.  They walked back to the look-out and watched the sun rise.  When I got up, Charlie was enjoying his breakfast and it was COLD outside.  I believe it was in the upper 40s, which doesn't sound too cold, but when you are sleeping and eating outdoors it is!

Then Charlie did his morning stretches to prepare him for our 3 mile hike.

Everyone is ready to embark on our hike of the Mina Sauk Falls Trail.

Patrick did amazing!  As an almost-3-year-old, he surprised us by hiking without complaining the first half of the trail.  On the back 1.5 miles, he complained, but walked the entire way!

Charlie caught up on some much-needed sleep.

We made frequent stops to examine nature.

Jim and Jack pondering life at a clearing in the woods.

Mommy and Jack and mountains (Missouri-style).

About halfway through, we stopped by the waterfall (that was barely flowing) for a snack.  I put the camera away for the second half of the hike.  The boys had a great time and keep asking when we can go camping again!