Burgess Falls

We took the kids on the trails at Burgess Falls the other day. The falls were gorgeous and we found a great spot to splash around in the water.

The trails, however, were a bit terrifying.

Do you see the drop off on Matt's right? It had to have been 50 feet straight down. I'm not exaggerating.

I tried to take a better picture here to show the enormity of the danger. Mad's poor hand was red from being held onto so tightly.

But when you reach a view like this, it's totally worth the hike. It was completely breath taking.

We eventually got to a flat, less scary spot. This is actually a little bit up river from the big falls, but it was gentle enough for the kids to splash around in.

We love a good river splash (creek, lake, pond, puddle in front of Target... if it's water my kids will find a way to splash in it). So I came prepared with changes of clothes, extra shoes and a towel.

The water was crystal clear and cool. Perfect after the mile hike we just put ourselves through.

Cullen even enjoyed it and he gets annoyed easily. He actually protested more than Mad when we had to leave.

It doesn't matter where we go, Mad has to take a little souvenir. And these were perfect.

Notice she's wearing a different outfit. Always prepared.

The Fair

*My husband got onto me about not posting anything in a MONTH. My sincere apologies. I do have a ton to talk about though!

So we went to one of the biggest fairs in our area the other day. It was a Saturday so naturally is was pretty busy. I think the attendance that day was over 100,000 people.

We really did try to see everything and spend as much money as possible on overpriced food and rides.

Including the pony rides. What can you say about these poor ponies? Their life is spent going around in circles over and over again. They don't even stop them. The guy picked Mad up and threw her on while they were moving. She liked it, but I felt bad for them.

We'll get a real horse one day. Mark my words.

This is not a horse. It is a black and white spotted mule named Hooch. Is that not the sweetest face in the world?

He was very sweet and ate leaves right out of your hand....and maybe try to take your hand off, too.

Ahh the carousel. Is there any simpler joy for a four year old? I think not.

And I'd rather her ride these than those ponies. Those poor poor ponies. (I think I've been scarred for life)

Here's Mad and my brother Charlie on one of those whirl-around-until-you-puke rides. I never saw the point. What's the thrill in getting dizzy? I can do that in my living room and not have to pay 3 bucks to do it!

There was one ride that was worth the money. It was a little race car ride that starts off slow and shoots you around the corner like a sling shot. My daughter, who is fearless by the way, could not wait to get on this one.

They made the kids sit two to a car so more could get on. Notice here that she has already made friends with this girl. It took her 5 seconds. I didn't get a picture of her hugging her.

No, really. I had to tell her to stop hugging this poor kid that just wanted to ride and not make best friends

She's not only fearless, she's friendly. What's the opposite of antisocial?

So anyway, this is the part of the ride where she shoots around the corner. He face was priceless. It was definitely her favorite part of the trip.

That was pretty much it. The weather was gorgeous that day, so we spent most of the morning to afternoon there.

Oh and because I don't want Mad to be a blog hog...

...here's Cullen.