Well, Weston’s team did it! They secured a trip to the state tournament in Waco along with the district championship title. This past week has been practicing and fundraisers! Whew! But, I’ve got a second to finish up sharing this adventure, because after this I’ve got to fill y’all in on our Seaworld Trip from back in April and then our upcoming week in Waco!

After our morning hike lunch, the weather warmed up to a more respectable swimming temp and we drove the car to the other side of the park to a river side beach area we had seen the day before. The Paluxy River is GORGEOUS!! Like, Frio River gorgeous. And only 3 hours from my house! It was still too cold for me to go beyond my ankles, but these kids are nuts for water fun. And apparently so is Sally!

After their splash around time, we decided on a walk upstream to locate more of the dinosaur tracks that are scattered in and around the river. The kids wanted to find one they could stand in. And while it got a little sketchy with some steep river banks, deeper water and silt, they nervously succeeded

Even farther upstream, we found a neat low water crossing for all to play in. We got a kick out of watching Sally attack the rapids and I was even able to sit in that section without frostbite. Archer was convinced he found another dinosaur track so he got a picture in one too.

We attempted even farther upstream, but fatigue and hunger were getting the best of us and we ended up pulling out of the river valley to stroll an easy trail back to the car. We ate and were cleaned up for an early bed time that evening. But not before Weston lost another tooth! And apparently the tooth fairy makes camper calls! Who Knew!?The next morning was an early take down of camp because we had to get back home for Weston’s first game of the season that night. So glad we slipped this trip in knowing now how consuming the season would actually be! Hahaha

2 nights and 2.5 days were not NEARLY enough time for this park. We could’ve easily spent a week here and maybe feel like we covered something. The trails alone have me itching to go back. Because the majority of them are a couple miles long and are classified as moderate, I’m going to let Archer get a little older and we will definitely have another stay at this park. And bring Daddy!

-Lindsay

I’ve found myself with over an hour to kill before it’s time to take Weston to game 1 of his team’s district tournament. So while I’m keeping an eye on these kids making sure they don’t get overworked before our hours in the heat this evening; I’ll try to knock out this post! 😆

Back in March, before baseball took over err day all day, we took the 21st-23rd for a rather impromptu camping trip. Basically, I saw that the temps were finally going to be reasonably warm and put together a plan and supplies in about a week. Haha. This would be my first trip with the camper alone, so I opted for a park close enough to be an easy drive, but far enough to make good use of some overnights. Science, y’all. 😉 Dinosaur Valley fit the bill and we’ve been excited about this park for a while.

I chose back roads for the trip out thinking it would be easier with a trailer than driving with the crazies on I-20. Wrong. Took us ALMOST twice as long to get there due to the windy/curving roads and had a couple of nerve wrecking moments over some very rough road conditions. But we made it with plenty of day light still! Surprisingly, backing her up, leveling and popping up was streamlined and manageable! There was an older couple that had walked by and stopped to chat that commented they couldn’t tell this was my first solo trip! Hahaha Ashlyn was a huge help on the slides and support poles and the boys kept Sally entertained!

We had ourselves a snack and decided to hike a trail before dinner time. We picked a trail that required we cross the Paluxy river but would take us up to a scenic overlook. Maybe even a sunset opportunity! Well, we planned this thinking there would be a bridge of sorts for the trailway across the river, but quickly were reminded what happens when you assume.

We’re not ones to quit so soon and we did give it one very honest attempt to cross with socks and shoes in hand, and Weston and Ashlyn did make it all the way across but not before falling multiple times defeating the purpose of keeping their footwear dry for the remaining hike. Archer, Sally and myself made it mid way before both the 4 yr old and the dog freaked out wanting me to carry them both. Not happening. So Ashlyn and Weston were summoned back and as they stumbled and splashed their way over, I snapped a pic of one very wet and distraught looking puppy 😆

Once back at the camper, we set our soaked hiking boots and sneakers in the sun and switched over to our water shoes. Which, I know, would’ve been the intelligent choice from the beginning. Hindsight, right? The evening was not lost, however. We took the roadways over to the infamous dinosaur statues and took advantage of some photos ops.

I didn’t want to mess with campfires or Coleman stoves this initial trip so meals were simple no cook or pre cooked and in the cooler. Muffins, fruit and protein bars for breakfast. Sandwiches and chips for lunches and cold chicken, pasta and veggies for dinner. I even found packaged “s’mores” for desserts! 😆

The next morning, the kids woke up ready to swim in the crystal clear Paluxy, but I convinced them it needed to at least be in the 70’s before doing that. So to kill time, we headed out for the main dinosaur track hiking trail that also connected to a different scenic outlook location. We still had to cross the river for this activity, but the amenities were much more conducive with just a touch of adventure. I think the rock hopping was the kids’ favorite part of the whole thing!

The dinosaur tracks were really cool too! Apparently they are known worldwide by paleontologist for their remarkable depiction of a carnivorous theropod stalking and ultimately attacking a sauropod.

The rest our hike to the top of the ridge was simple and pleasant and we enjoyed some “I spy” while up there. And on a related note, taking a photo with all 3 kids that includes some background is proving quite difficult these days. I’m definitely not one of those moms that always wants to be behind the camera. So don’t be surprised if I go full narcissist soon and purchase a selfie stick! 😜

Finally, after some lunch back at the camper, it was time to swim! And now, looking at the time, makes this a good stopping point for part one of this post. Haha! The other day and a half of trip to be continued! Y’all wish Weston good luck on his games!

-Lindsay