Camping at F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Lailey and "Trixie"

This camping trip was one of our best yet! Despite the rough start with crazy thunderstorms which delayed us several hours, the rest of it was a blast. F.D. Roosevelt State Park is another one to add to our list of favorites. (Interesting to note, this is the second year in a row we've been camping on Lailey's birthday. It's usually spring break week and happens to work out that way. Good thing she loves it!)  As you can see from the picture below, we had quite a bit of mud surrounding our site. Since the weather forecast had predicted heavy rain for the last few weeks, I went ahead and ordered the kids some rain boots since we'd need them. I was so glad I did! 

Puddle stomping

How appropriate that his shirt says "I DIG DIRT." He took a nice face plant!

Even with the rain, the temperature wasn't bad, so they were loving all the mud and puddles.

"Buddy, that is NOT a sword!"
I think Maddox and Lailey disagree.

Check out her clothes. She did a nice belly flop - on accident - in the mud puddle.

We usually check in around lunch time or right after, but we didn't get to pick our site and set up camp until after 6:00 pm. It was just cloudy and foggy by then, but we did get more rain around 9:00 or so. Thankfully, the kids were in the tent by then and Davey was able to scramble around to get everything put up while I dressed them for bed. 

 The next morning, the kids boots were still soggy. Since I had forgotten flip-flops (those are now added to my on-going camping list on my computer), they were our only choice. But a nice warm campfire can warm little toesies.

My boys

Fanning the coals

Me and my FIVE-year-old. I can hardly believe it.

One of the hiking trails started just behind our campsite, and there were a couple of bridges back there. While I was wandering around taking pictures (Davey and Maddox must have walked to the bathrooms), I noticed that something had captured Lailey's attention. A squirrel had wandered up and Lailey, ever the animal lover, had welcomed it right to our campsite. As I slowly walked back, not wanting to scare it away, it decided to have breakfast right at our table! I kept talking to Lailey telling her "don't move." Not at easy task for her, but she did it.

The squirrel, soon named "Trixie" (after a dog Lailey met in the campground), found the leftovers from our breakfast, peach oatmeal specifically, and began enjoying it. As you can see from Lailey's laugh, it was very entertaining watching the squirrel pick up our spoons and lick them - yes, LICK them.

That would be a squirrel licking a spoon!

Got any more?

She (he?) was very friendly.

I was concerned about making the poor thing sick from people food, so I took the bowl away (a lot of good that did, as you'll see below). So, then Trixie moved on to Davey, who had returned from his walk with Maddox.

"Hi. Got anymore food?"

"Dude. I know I'm a squirrel and all, but those are some funky shoes."

Apparently peach oatmeal is a delicacy to squirrels, because she wouldn't stop eating it!

"Please, sir, I want some more." 

While Lailey was being a squirrel whisperer, Maddox wandered down to the stream and got stuck down on one knee! It was really funny, but I was trying to be sympathetic and not laugh. 'Cause that's mean. I was only laughing on the inside.

Once Trixie finally ran off, we had to decide what to do about shoes, because Lailey's boots were still wet from the night before and Maddy's right boot was full of water! A short trip into Pine Mountain to the Dollar Store was the answer. I took Lailey with me and we were very lucky to find some cheap Converse knock-offs in their sizes. Phew! I don't mind my kids getting dirty outside, and I hate to restrict them from having fun, but this time they were instructed to stay away from the mud and water! This was their last pair of shoes, and our clothes supply was dwindling as well. 

 With dry shoes, it was finally time for an afternoon hike. This was Maddy's first time not riding in the hiking backpack kid carrier, and he had a great time. It wasn't a super long hike, but we walked and explored for an hour or so. That's pretty good for a 2 yo.

Davey and Maddox on the bridge

Making a hiking song

Me and my happy campers

Enjoying the sun near the dam of Lake Delanor

Maddox loves sticks, and he found another use for them.
They're flying like Buzz Lightyear, yelling "To Infinity...and Beyond!"

Hiking stick fight

Some kind of skink or lizard in a tree. There were two, but one was brave.

Gathered on our hike

While Maddox napped and Lailey played on the playground, Davey got a quiet moment to read.

Blowing out the flaming marshmallows

Sparks and fire

The kids were able to explore and play while we packed up camp the next morning. They love being together most of the time. Here they were just chilling out on the bridge to the hiking trail. Lailey said, "Mom! Look at the cross!" I was taking pictures of them relaxing and she saw it first. So COOL! I will treasure this picture forever.

Maddox with binoculars checking out the trees.

My attempt at one last picture was foiled when Maddox decided he'd rather lie down that sit. Cute anyway!

We ate lunch at a local place on the way out of town, and the kids were asleep soon after in the car. I knew it had been a good camping trip when I was trying to think of a weekend to squeeze in another trip before the GA heat makes it unbearable to be outside. Maybe we will.