Family Vacation Pictures and Memories

One of my favorite places on the planet is a state park in southern West Virginia, Pipestem State Park. My family has been going yearly since I was Aria's age, and I've only missed the annual vacation twice in all those years. It makes my heart so happy that Aria will grow up with family memories at some of the same places I did. She will learn to swim at the same pool, play on the same (although recently updated) play grounds, explore the same mountains and hopefully grow close to the same family as I did. 

When I was growing up we camped in the adjacent campground, but at this point in our lives, our families have all been "camping" in the cabins. I hope to some day convince Josh to rent an RV and camp in the campground at least one year when the kiddos are growing up. I have such great memories of bikes rides through the campground, dinners over an open fire and falling asleep to the sound of crickets and raccoons rustling outside our camper. :) Josh isn't quite sure he's up to "roughing it." Our cabins come with hot, running water, electricity and a fully functional kitchen. It's the most luxurious "camping" experience you can imagine ;)

Unfortunately, Aria was in a kind of crabby, clingy mood most of the week due to teething, so we didn't get as many pictures of her with family members as I had hoped, but here are a few. I hate that she only sees this part of the family twice a year, but when we get together, we really make the most of it :)

This year, Aria learned how to swim with her swimmies all by herself and played on the playground. The swings and slide were, as usual, her favorites. She loves climbing up the stairs on her own and sliding down all by herself. She also loved walking around the cul-de-sacs and watching for deer. I can't wait to make more memories as the years go on with our new baby boy and new family members coming in.

Sitting with Great-Grandma Moore and Aunt Izzie on the front porch

Getting ready to go swimming with Emmy

Hanging out with daddy and Papa Moore

Eating "cake" for breakfast with G.G. Moore

Riding the tram with Mimi down to the river

Family picture...they were mostly unsuccessful 

Playing with rocks with Emmy

Walking with daddy and Grandpa

I love this smile :) She hijacked cousin Danielle's broken tryke 

One of the rare shots of us together at the playground :)