Jellystone Park...Canyon Lake!

We have been blessed as a family the last two years to be able to go somewhere special each summer. This year we went to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Canyon Lake. With the kids in mind we figured they would have a blast...and they sure did! We all met at the park on Thursday evening and got checked into our rooms. The kids immediately started riding their bikes and wanted to check out the playground. Some of us went to try out the "jumping pillow." It is a huge pillow sort of like a trampoline/bounce house all in one. Really fun!

We were ready to start some fun the next morning. First up was some bike riding and a yummy breakfast was cooked by the guys and sisters (me and Carie). Soon after breakfast we went to the Ranger Station and met Yogi Bear who led us in several pledges. The "hey-hey hayride" was next which let us see different parts of the park. The ride ended at the Jellystone Hall where the kids were able to do some crafts and play some arcade games. There was also a large screen with Yogi Bear cartoons playing. When we finished the activites we visited the Gem Mine which the kids really enjoyed. Swimming was next on our agenda before lunch so we hit the pool. What fun we had jumping in the pool, throwing the football, and just relaxing! After lunch most of us took a nap while the others watched the kids. Later in the afternoon Ricky took the kids back to Ranger Station to rent out some go-carts. Sheldon had been begging to do this from the minute he saw them the first day. They rode around the park and Ricky did most of the work...he was exhausted!! Hamburgers were soon ready for supper and our cousin's girlfriend, Marisa, joined us since she lives in the area. We all had a great visit and once the kids were in bed the adults talked and laughed some more outside under the stars. It was GREAT!!

Saturday morning was the same except we headed to the beach area at Canyon Lake. The water was so clear and it was so nice to relax there. We enjoyed swimming, more kayaking, and just chillin'. By the time we returned to the park it was time for a late lunch and a short nap for Cambry and Daddy. The rest of us took the kids to the jumping pillow for the "Slip 'n Slide" activity they had set up for the kids. The rangers set up sprinklers beside the pillow and the kids could run across and slide...it was great!! They loved it!! We then went swimming at the pool one more time before it was time to get ready for supper. After debating for a while we all decided to go to Gruene and eat at Gristmill. We were lucky to have only a 30 minute wait and the service wasn't bad at all even though it was pretty hot! After our supper we took the kids to the General Store at the corner to get some ice cream. All the kids really liked that for sure! Bedtime was just around the corner and the adults didn't stay up as late as the night before either...we were all exhuasted from a busy, fun day.

Sunday morning Ricky made french toast for all of us then my dad led us in a short family devotional. We shared communion together and talked about the blessings we have had in our families the past year and it was a good reminder of how gracious our God has been to us. Soon it was time to go our separate ways after a wonderful weekend together and I hope we have many more years of blessings together as the kids grow up...God is so good! Thank you mom and dad for setting an example to all of us and for providing such a FUN vacation for our family!!