Crabtree Falls

Could you have asked for a more picturesque fire pit location?!? It was incredible. Although, Karen said it was too loud to sleep during the night. She sacrifices so much for the family! :) This weekend we went to Crabtree Falls for our first ever family campout. It was a short drive south of Charlottesville. Mark was a HUGE helper watching Luke as Mom and Dad set up camp and got everything situated. We had to move fast because we were worried it would rain on us. Fortunately, there was nothing more than a sprinkle in the evening.

Anya knows how to relax on a campout.

After we set up camp, the kids begged to go exploring. Next time we'll be a little more prepared and bring swim suits and sandals so they can explore more without Mom and Dad to constantly ask them to get out of the river. Luke was content to just go to the bank.

Mark had to push the limit and go as far as the rocks would let him. His younger siblings were quick to follow. It was a great area to explore.

What is a campout without S'mores. Surprisingly, Peter and James had already gone inside the tent and weren't interested in getting their shoes back on to enjoy the campfire. Mark helped me make this campfire. What a cubscout!

Anya learned the hard way how NOT to roast a marshmallow. :)

We can't even believe this is James. This is the same James who fought Karen vehemenently when she tried teaching him to read. Now he can't seem to get enough of it.

And if you need proof that these are Knutti's--here it is! Karen bought them all a new book for the trip. Mark didn't care much for his book (so James was happy to take it). It really is fun to watch them all reading.

And we're trying to figure out what gang Peter has joined. He has a smile on his face...but we all know it's just a ploy. Anyone know the sign he's making?

The next day, we hiked Crabtree falls (or half of it). It was a two mile trek to the top...and as you can see in the picture below, Karen is a little over 6 months pregnant. She set our pace and told us when it was time to turn around. She's a trooper...and a wise one at that.

Crabtree falls is the largest vertical drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. (Hey, if you describe anything with enough detail you can make it whatever you want!) But it is pretty cool. It's a hikers paradise and we tried our best to fit in. There were lots of people to talk to while we enjoyed the hike.

The kids were really on one with their poses during the hike. I love hanging out with these little people!

Karen recently purchased "Condorman" on DVD. It's one of those Disney classics that sticks with you when you watch it as a child. The kids LOVE it and were attempting to be their own version of "Condorman" at the edge of a rock.

Do you see the Appalachian three-headed man below? On our way back down, Peter insisted on being carried. It was kind of nice because it balanced out the weight on my back. Luke had fallen asleep (hence the reason his head is off to the side) and the dead weight added about 20 pounds!

Overall, it was a great trip. We'll do it again in about 18 months when Eliza is a year old. We can't wait!