Arkansas with The Chopin Family

Arkansas Trip with Chopin Family

In January we took an Amazing trip to Petit Jean Mountain. We left on a Wednesday and came back home on Sunday. The Chopin family and our family each rented a cabin. It was a duplex cabin. This was a great way to camp--we each had our own cabin but we connected to each other with a door.
Our travels there were fantastic. We left Lafayette around 3 am and arrived in the mountains around 1pm. Traveling with 8 kids could have gone many different ways but for our trip it was a blessing. By the time we made our first stop we were half way there!!!! Mommie loved that part!
On Thursday morning we all chose to take a hike. It was the Cedar Falls Trail. The hike was simply beautiful and breath taking. Grant--you loved your freedom. You and Caleb took off ahead of us with walkie talkies and were able to explore like young men. You said it was allot like your movie called My side of the Mountain. I could tell you felt very grown up. I was glad that we were able to allow this feeling for you this weekend.
The water fall was really beautiful! Malia you were able to enjoy it also---you took a good nap while hiking and when we arrived at the waterfall you were able to nurse. What a soothing relaxing meal for you!
On Friday we chose to hike the Seven Hollows Trail. This is a 4 hour hike if you hike the whole thing. We had decided we would only hike to the half way point. This hike was completely different from the day before. It reminded us of the dessert. Grant, you still enjoyed that you and Caleb were able to run ahead free as a bird.
We found a little cave on this hike. First Poppie went into it to check it out. He found no bears so Grant, you shared your light stick with everyone so we could see all the way in the cave. This experience was really cool!!!! Grant, Zoe and you Micah were all three very brave to go all the way in the cave. Good thing there were no bears:)
Saturday was a very relaxing COLD day. Mommie decided to stay by the fire place with a good book while Poppie took both Grant and Zoe along with Mr Carrie, Caleb and Ben on a hike. Micah you wanted to join them on the hike but it was really too cold to go. So instead you stayed with Mommie, Mrs. Cindy, Mary Grace and Elijah.
Around lunch time everyone returned back to the cabin. The little ones took a nap and the older kids you went down the road to the park. The adults and babies sat by the fireplace------VERY RELAXING!!!
We all attended Mass Saturday evening and headed back for dinner and roasting marsh mellows in the fireplace--Thanks to Mrs Cindy! YUMMY!
This was a fantastic vacation for the whole family---The adults had plenty of adult time at night while each of you had time with friends and family.
One of many things our family has gained from this trip is to play card games with one another. Our new family game is Quitch. After this trip it has become our most popular game to play as a family!