Wednesday, December 27, 2017

James River State Park

After Thanksgiving, we stayed in a cabin for a couple of nights at James River State Park.  My brother and his family rented a cabin as well.  We saw in the cabin journal that many people saw bald eagles, so here is Reid trying to scout one out (we didn't have any luck).


There was a nice visitor center, a bit of a walk from our cabin.  Behind the visitor center was an observation deck and a long wooden boat.


The boys enjoyed playing chicken on a guard rail just outside our cabin.  We were getting ready to go on a hike.  We had decent weather, for November.

The boys introduced their cousins to the fun of geocaching during hiking.  We found four geocaches.  Reid also found a cicada, which you can see on the left side of his hat:

All five boys/cousins enjoyed the overlook of the Tye/James River.  We felt happy to be outside hiking about with family.  Virginia State Parks was having a photo contest over Thanksgiving weekend, and I submitted an edited version of the photo below.  It won grand prize, which was a gift card to the state parks.  Since we visit the state parks a couple of times a year anyhow, this was the perfect prize to win. 

There was also a playground that got much use.  My boys sure are better at the monkey bars than I am.
 
Claudia, at 12 weeks old, was too young to leave at home alone all weekend.  So she came along.  She's a good little traveler and a pro by the fireplace snuggler. 



The cabins were very nice, and offered amazing views of the sunset in the evenings.  It was one of our favorite things about James River State Park.

Overall, we had a wonderful time. It was nice to skip all the Black Friday madness (not that I ever do that) and just get outdoors for the weekend. 

18 comments:

Tom said...

...fun with your outdoors men!

Tanya Breese said...

what a nice get-away with family! love that last picture! merry christmas!

Monkeywrangler said...

Wow! Beautiful area! And congrats on winning the photo contest. You sure had some nice pics from your trip.

Lin said...

Those look like really nice cabins. I'd like to get out to Virginia and Shenandoah, but Joe is scared of the camping out there. It seems more rustic than other places we have been. I could handle one of these cabins---it looks NICE!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Those cabins look gorgeous... Where is James River State Park???? I'd love to sit there and watch the sunset...

The kids must have had a great time with their cousins.... NEAT...

Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Betsy

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your last picture is stunning, and should have won a prize as well. The beautiful golden light reflecting from the cabin windows, so gorgeous. I love to see the boys having so much fun! Looks like a perfect trip.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Oh that last image!! WOW! Love the kitty, she's adorable! Such awesome experiences you offer your children, they'll always cherish the memories and what they learn along the way - great parents, you are.



Annette said...

Wow, that sounds like my kind of trip. What beautiful views away from all the holiday (and Black Friday) madness. Congratulations on winning the photo contest. I'm sure you'll make good use of that state park gift card :)

21 Wits said...

Now that is another wonderful trip you shared, lovely photos what beautiful scenery too. Kitty is so sweet too. I'm wishing you the merriest and happiest of New Year too!

Linda said...

I'm excited that you won the photo contest! I didn't enter this year because of family visits. Your photo is excellent.

likeschocolate said...

looks like these boys had a fantastic day! Happy New Year!

Jenn Jilks said...

What a lovely trip! I enjoyed it!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It sounds perfect and it looks like all the kids had a great time!
Happy New Year!!

Becca said...

Congrats on your win! It looks very peaceful out there!

DMS said...

Congrats on winning the grand prize with that photo. I can see why you won. Looks and sounds like a fantastic trip. So important to spend time appreciating nature. Geocaching sounds like such fun!

Thanks for sharing. The cabin and park look beautiful.

Here is to a healthy and happy 2018. :)
~Jess

An Apel a Day said...

How fun. My boys like being around their boys cousins as well. Being outdoors is the best!

I hope you had a great New Year!

Nasreen said...

Wow! The views are amazing. I guess you all had a great time!

Happy New Year!

Vision By Mila said...

Looks like fun and adventures!