Falls Creek Falls, Tenn

Another wonderful park, another beautiful hike, another fantastic playground, an outdoor swimming pool with not one but two bouncy diving boards and the most amazing swing suspension bridge. The limit load was 6, so we patiently waited our turn to cross to the other side. Just long enough to make you catch your breath, it hung suspended over a river 30 feet below. The kids immediately dubbed it the "Shrek and Donkey" bridge and re-enacted the crossing from the movie, exclaiming loudly "I'm not looking down, I'm not looking down..."
We had a wonderful time, yet again, but there was no doubting that at this part of the trip we were all very aware that Nana's house was next.
Our Great American Field Trip Adventure is drawing to a close, as all things must do. It has been a wild time, full of wilderness and swimming pools, hikes, family and friends, great food and more hotdogs and smores than I can count. The kids have been so flexible, so gracious, so uncomplaining that we continue to rejoice that this is our family. They have learned how to set up camp, search for firewood if permitted, dismantle the tent and get it back in the bag, roll and unroll their sleeping bags, survive extended road trips many times lasting 8-10 hours at a time and thrill with us over amazing hikes lasting 3-4 hours. They are walking sources of information for many of the national parks we have visited and I think the need/desire to hike and explore God's creation is really deep within their hearts. We realize what a great priviledge and blessing it has been to even have the opportunity, time and resources to do this sort of thing. I am sure it will fuel our collective dreams far into the future. I am hoping to post a slideshow of some of my favorite photos soon. If I can figure it all out. Thanks for reading!