A Hike and a Cold Swim

My middle brother and his kids invited us to go hiking/ swimming with them at a State Forest in NC.  We jumped at the chance!  

Awkward selfie group shot!  Look how big Oakley is getting!

Mantis, Queenie, and Oakley met us as well, we ate lunch, and then took a mini-hike to another waterfall.  

The adults!

It was packed!  My brother, ever chivalrous, let us unload and then had to park in "BFE".  The 8 kids (minus Ashton who just couldnt take the cold water) jumped into the water and swam/ climbed through a mini waterfall.  The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast.

Hunter and Aunt Anna having a laugh about something.

Hunt is such a good brother.  He jokingly call him "Daddy Hunter"  He made sure Bennett was safe on the rocks.

Nephews and Shep

Shep, he busted it about 10 times at this swimming hole and where they went to jump rocks.... Mr Clumsy

Ever brave, Bennett ventured where the big boys went.  I did not allow him to slide through the waterfall though!

Ashton did not even get into the water and he was cold!  Eva did get in but was just shivering!

I cant trash talk Ashton though because, as you can tell, I am dry too!  It was chilly water.

 There are many funny stories of us getting lost on the way, leaving the lunch in the car and having to hike to go get it, and mom driving around the parking lot endlessly trying to find a spot to park... but, we will pretend that it was perfect with no complications! :)

All the kiddos and a tired puppy

Thanks for the invite Z and A!  It will be smoother next time!