A surprise visit and a bit of nature

On Friday I received a call from my college roommate to see if she and her kids could come for a quick visit on Saturday. With no real plans for the weekend, I quickly said yes before consulting with Jeff. So, after a rainy, quiet Saturday morning at home we welcomed Cynthia and her kids in the afternoon. The kids (except Lily) are all fairly close in age - Lexi is 7.5 and Jacob is 6. We went bowling and out to dinner and the kids all got along and had a blast the entire time. This morning, we played at home and went for lunch downtown before our visitors had to leave. I was too busy catching up with my friend and watching the kids together to take many pictures, but I did get a few of the kids together after lunch. You can see how comfortable they feel with each other.





After lunch while our friends headed north, we drove to Skyline Drive where we were treated to a drive of gorgeous views and beautiful fall colors. We drove on Skyline Drive about 15 miles before turning off to our destination, Crabtree Falls. As we were driving, I was sad that I only had my little point and shoot camera, but once we started hiking UP, UP, UP and having to carry Lily even part of the way, I was very glad I only had my P&S! According to our book, Crabtree Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Virginia, in the southeast, or east of the Mississippi. Yes, it is actually taller than Niagara Falls - I looked this up because I wasn't sure if it was true. As we were driving, I was sad that I only had my little point and shoot camera, but once we started hiking UP, UP, UP and having to carry Lily even part of the way, I was very glad I only had my P&S!

We hiked a little more than halfway to the top, but the boys were tired and it was getting late. The hiking wasn't that easy and parts were wet, muddy and slippery. Ms. Lily wasn't tired because she was carried all the way up and most of the way down! It was a perfect fall day - crisp, sunny, clear blue skies, and beautiful colors. I feel so lucky to live near such natural beauty.

Lily sitting by the falls and looking excited to have her picture taken


The boys climbing up the stairs - the trail started with some pavement and stairs, and turned into dirt, mud, roots, and rocks! This was early in the hike


Ben on the rocks


The three kids taking a break


Part of Crabtree Falls


Lily looking over the ledge (and notice Jeff's tense arm holding on tight)


Just to give you an idea of the colors


Four out of five of us


Lily hiking down








Lily looking back to make sure I'm not too far behind


Running to the finish line!