Degray Lake State Park!!

We made it to Degray Lake State Park by 1:30pm on Wednesday, June 8^th! Wow, can I just say Arkansas is BEAUTIFUL. We are so grateful for the guy who sold us this camper. He told us to go through Arkansas. Seriously a hidden gem! We set up camp pretty quickly yet again. A little different from what we had before but super nice. We were just a small path away from the lake; perfect spot to stick your feet in and throw rocks in the water. Downfall? The bathrooms were a bit far, and I definitely had to hop in the car or on my bike to go there. We just made the kids pee in a bush lol. Not for me though!! =P

When we first checked in, the staff gave us schedule of all tactivites and events going on for the next couple days. This included things from learning to build your own fire, to swimming tours, arts and crafts, hikes, and even lake cruises! So, the first night we went on a sunset cruise on a pontoon boat! We could not have asked for a more beautiful night! They took us around the lake and gave us a little history on the lake.

 Making herself at home of course. Haha we were cracking up at this point. Silly girl!

Thursday was a our BIG BIG Surprise for the kids!!! We surprised them with horseback riding!! They were so excited! An hour ride along the lake, it was perfect! We saw a couple deer and a turtle along the way! The view of the lake was breathtaking! It was early in the morning, so the water was like glass! And for those wondering, none of us were sore!!! Haha!

Thursday afternoon, we went back out on the pontoon boat for a 2 hour “Swim Cruise”. We cruised the lake for a half hour or so and then went into a cove where we swam for a little over an hour. The water temperature was refreshing but I have to say there were a little too many warm spots!! Noah enjoyed jumping off the back steps and Kam had fun just bobbing and spinning in circles. The smiles on their faces lasted the whole time. PERFECTION! Unfortunately (but not), I spent all my time in the water, so not many pictures were taken of the kids swimming. ;)

We got back from the Swim Cruise around 5, so we spent the rest of the night BBQing and playing. Kam was out by 7:15, she was exhausted!! I don’t blame her! It was actually very relaxing to just enjoy the camp area. We have been on the go and always working on something since we started this adventure, so Greg and I really were happy to just play with Noah in the area. Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed all the activities as a family at this location but just a relief to just "chill" at the campsite. :)

 SO STRONG! ;)

Leaving Arkansas, I am blown away by not only it's beauty, but how kind everyone was. Everyone says hello and I can't tell you how many times we received compliments about how sweet and beautiful our children were. 

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas!!

We made it to Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas around 7pm on June 6th. Greg and I are really starting to get this whole camping thing down. We were definitely on a roll when it came to "popping" out that camper! It took us a little over an hour to get all set up. BAM BAM BAM, high five, awesomeness. P.S. Greg is only wearing a sweatshirt because of bugs haha. 

The Kids were a nice little help, too! (when we allowed them haha!)

Even though it was late, we made sure we had a little campfire before bed ;)

The next morning the weather was perfect and so peaceful. One of my favorite things about camping is waking up on a “cool” morning and relaxing with a cup of tea! Noah sleeps like a rock in this camper! He just looks so sweet!

                                       

We just got this hammock at a Bass Pro Shop along the way. Definitely HEAVEN! The kids absolutely love it, too. Especially Kam when it comes to rocking her baby.

Later that morning we headed out on a 2-2.5 mile hike to a waterfall called Cedar Falls. Greg had Kam in the backpack and Noah hiked the whole way! I am not going to say this hike was easy, Greg and I were very impressed with Noah! The first part of the hike was climbing down about 200 feet. Lots of rocks and tree roots on the ground. So much fun!

 We got to this awesome bridge going over Cedar Creek. It was a two person bridge only! It was pretty neat and the kids loved.

I think Kam had the most luxurious hike of all, she even fell asleep on the way to the waterfall!

We made it!! And it was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!!!!!!!!!! Noah cried a little just before we got there but even he thought it was worth it! He thought it was so worth it, it took us half the time to get back! He was literally running at the end. He was testing his mama and her ability to hike up 200 feet!! Anywho, off track, here’s the beautiful waterfall. We packed a lunch and were able to find a flat rock to sit on and enjoy!

 Well that was that with Petit Jean! The hike really was the highlight of the trip! We did spend some time at the pool where they had a diving board. Noah loved that of course and Kam enjoyed being a little fishy.