Camping!

We recently took a great family camping trip to the Smokey Mountains. Jack was in town after the Charlotte Mason conference so it was a great opportunity for us to drag him to the mountains. He was very willing :)



It was such a delight to experience our biosphere through his eyes. And my heart sang to see two CM graduates still living out CM's philosophy, it's just a part of who they are.



First, they really SEE. They also wonderfully and naturally direct the younger children to as well. It was a joy to hear them narrate their experiences to and with me. They hiked everywhere they could, day and night. They caught and held numerous bugs and even a snake. Great horned owls swooped over their heads, lightening bugs blinked in sync (only one of two places in the word where they do so!), feathers were fished out of streams and mama bears with their playful cubs were captured on camera. These things were thrilling and important to us all. Best of all, we were in awe of God's wondrous creation, privileged to be image bearers in His magnificent temple. I love how our lives have been changed by this amazing woman who lived and wrote a hundred years ago. Her message is timeless and it's foundation Truth. That is why it speaks to us today, opening our eyes and hearts, for the children's sake.









Lest it sound too rosy, here is the reality of getting there! Nothing like shutting 11 people up in a box for 3 to 4 hours.



We happened to get into the best campground. Elkmont, an old logging camp, was halfway between Cades Cove and Gatlinburg, perfect for what we wanted to do and see while we were there. The Smokey's have such a rich historical background, my favorite two occupations, nature and history! Our campsite was right next to the Little River. The children had a great time playing in the river and the little crick that ran next to the boys site to the river.



Every time we go to the Smokey's, we get a picture of the children on this porch.



Max, sleepily ready for a hike.



Curtiss and Ben.



Josiah and Max in a corn crib.



Maura found a beautiful mushroom. We were all glad Kaley did not taste it.



And speaking of Mushrooms!



Despite rain the first night, despite having lots of little's and diabetes, it went off quite well. We are hoping to camp again this summer and realized we should do it more often. I slept so well next the roar of the river. It was very good to leave technology behind and be untethered and free for 3 days, just breathing and being together.