Woods Tall Timber Lake Resort, New Philadelphia, Ohio

Fun times! 

Great place! 

 

 

Entrance ... lake and campground

Par 3 golf course

 

First two hours ...maybe 30 people tops! 

Having fun! 

Gotta have ice cream on a 95 degree day with 95% humidity! 

 

Snow cone time! 

 

 

Not really as busy as it looks! 

 

Went with $20.00 bill.  Admission, ice cream, snow cone ... came home with $8.00.  Lunch in a cooler.  Sitting in the shade.  Fun times were had.  Return trip will be made.  Home to rent.  Cabins to rent.  Miniature golf course.  Paddles boats to rent.  Mini-electric boats to rent.  Tent and camper spots.  Nice.  Clean.  Fun.  Highly recommend!   

Drive-In Time!

This summer I'm trying to make up for not taking our normal beach vacation.  The kiddos gave me a "good job" vote yesterday.  We decided to replace a portion of our roof and did not want to spend the amount of money necessary for the roof and beach together.  When it is all said and done ... the beach would have been cheaper.  Trust me!    

I was trolling FB while camping one day.  A friend posted about the drive-in.  Drive-In?  Lord, I have not been to the drive-in since around the age of 9 or 10.  Technically, my sons age!  There is a drive-in located in Chester, WV.  And that is about a 1/2 hour drive from our home.  My thought was "YEP!  WE ARE A GOING!" 

It was a double feature of Monster University and Despicable Me 2 starting at 9 pm.  Custom made for the kiddos.  Hubby was excited.  We planned for a Saturday night.  The gate reportedly opened at 8 pm.  I had read that the movie opened the prior night and the gates were closed early due to filling up already.  The police were called because of cars backing down the main road , etc. 

We decided to head over early.  I could lie and say we didn't go purchase snacks and drinks ahead of time but I won't!  Everyone picked out their favorites.  We arrived at the driveway around 7:35 pm and there were already cars piling in.  Guessing we were around car #25 in the gates.  We picked our spot.  Decided on seating.  And the wait was on! 

This was out plan.  Blanket and pillows.  Lounging on the ground.  They were excited! 

Shortly after this picture was taken....my hubby proclaimed "No way!"  And other arrangements were made.  The back seats in my Rendezvous are removable.  They were taken out.  Sat on the ground.  And seating was made! 

When does this thing start?! 

Waiting really sucks! 

   
Our arrangements for the rest of the show.  The movies were great.  The kiddos enjoyed themselves.  We will definitely go back.  Now, I will say that the entire place could use a face lift and some rather cheap updates.  But all in all a great time.  

This weekends double feature is Turbo and The Lone Ranger!  Might see you there............. 

I'm official!

Okay, this could also be titled Family Fish Day Edition.  But honestly, I'm technically official now. 

Fishing license!  Hey it is a big deal in this house.  I hate fishing but my kiddos love it.  All in the name of love.  And I was amazed that it has my name, drivers license number, and age on it.  Now, I'm not embarrassed to be 40 years old at all.  But is there like a high theft rate on Ohio fishing licenses.  And it isn't like I'm gonna be letting 25 years old use it.  LOL 

Some sandwiches for lunch.  Family had chips along with theirs.  Also, enjoyed a little veggies!  Gotta fuel up to get your "fish on"!  LOL    This was the first pic of the day.  They all said together "Guess we are part of the blog."  Sounding about that enthusiastic about it! 

They have been fed.  They have used the facilities.  They are ready.  Four fishing poles.  Two kids.  Oh and one baby doll. 

I gave it a shot.  A long one.  Over 1 1/2 hours for the girl and I.  Not one single bite.  One of the many reasons that I don't like fishing. 

But these two love it ... so ... so ... and I love them. 

UH OH!  Someone was taking selfies!  Glad it didn't end up in the lake!

Hubby decided to move.....

Just a shot out on the lake past the dam.....

Look at my finds!  A rubber worm and salamander.  This made her day!

Then look what we found on the playground.  Not sure but you may be a little too big for that duck! 

Always has construction on the brain......

They asked if this picture could make the blog! 

Even the little guy had to ride the duck.  This duck picked the short straw today! 

Three hours of fishing.  Not one bite.  Well other than bug bites.  Playground.  Snack.  Moving on. 

 

 

Not all family adventures are eventful.  But all family adventures are fun! 

Greenway Bike Trail .... 8 miles!

I'm going to start jumping around here with my posts.  Some of the activities listed are from the past few weeks.  Starting with the Greenway Bike Trail.  Trailhead starts in Lisbon, Ohio and goes to Leetonia, Ohio.  They are talking about extending it from there.  And I know there are bike trails throughout the neighboring counties that at some point will all connect. 

So here we go .... Greenway Bike Trail.

We love it!  Paved.  Shady.  Damp.  No constant traffic.  Bikers.  Walkers.  Runners.  The trail does cross the road at certain points so we do have to be aware of traffic and there is a section that does follow the road.  This particular day was the first time my children rode that section.  We try to go at least every week.  Oh, and I like to run here!  

The trailhead.  Parking.  Bathroom.  Water fountain.  Vending machines.  Official "0" marker is about 4 blocks away?  IDK? 

Official mile marker "0" ... they are ready to go.  Helmets check.  Air pressure checked.  Bathroom check.  Drinks check. 

 

Official mile marker "4" .... okay!  I forgot about having the camera with me.  The miles were uneventful.  Right before this, around 3 1/2, someone got a little too close to the edge of the trail.  End result a wreck.  Take a guess who? 

It was this one!  Surprise.  Surprise!  Talked her into riding back to a bench they have along the trail around mile 3.  Told her she could sit.  Hydrate.  Check her wound. 

Here are a couple of views from the trail ....

 

 

 We made it back to the bench.  Do you see the injury?  Honestly, do you see it?  

I talked her out amputation.  LOL  She drank.  She washed it off.  She was all good to go! 

Just another view from the trail .....

Celebration!  We are done.  They made it a eight miles.  Only one mishap.  And with two stops.  I was very proud. 

Here are just a few pics of the kiddos and I.  No one cares about looks at the end.  Helmets do wonders for the hair!   

If you are ever in the area or have never visit the Greenway Trail .... the Breretons highly recommend it!  With a little disclaimer .... we will admit that Lisbon is the mental health "capital" of our county.  On occasion there are/has been some interesting/seedy looking characters on the trail.  Kinda like every park now a days!  Mom recommends taking pepper spray as I do every single trip out and packing a cell phone.  You can never be too careful anywhere. 

Pedal Kart Hell

I know.  I know.  This was to be written days ago!  No matter what I write it would just be an excuse.  But now I'm back and have days worth of material. 

Pedal Karts are an activity available at our favorite family campground.  The kiddos have wanted to ride them for a year or so.  Parents did the veto before.  They looked heavy and we continually saw kids pushing them not riding them. 

This time around was different.  Without my hubby there for the first four days .. well .. honestly .. I was game for anything.  Before getting into the karts, I should mention that the campground is roughly 1 1/2 miles long with off shoots.  From the gate/office, where one collects their kart, is a long gradual hill.  Really it is the side of the damn.  The road is newly paved for about a 1/3 of a mile and then it is gravel.  Hills.  Valleys.  Flat.  Potholes. 

They are a challenge.  Here are pics of my daughter and I on our respective pedal karts..........

Let us not discuss my daughters looking like a boy.  She wanted to wear her brothers clothes all weekend.  And damn was I tired!  This ride is where my knees and bumm finally said "No more!" 

This are strictly pedaled by you!  I have bruises on the inside of my knees from the steering wheel.  And along my bumm from the seat.  Which is not at all manufactured for an adult bumm.  This picture was taken during my last trip on a pedal kart that weekend.  I rode up and down the big hill five or six times that week.  She made it four.  There is a difference in the little carts available.  The one pictured was easier for her to ride.  The others I ended up towing her by holding the front of the cart with one arm and pedaling mine. 

EXHAUSTING! 

Our boy never cleared a hill .. the large or small.  All in all they are fun.  But they are work!  It was a great workout and the girl loved it.  That makes whatever I thought meaningless.  If you are ever in Austin Lake Parks neck of the woods ... try one out!  Wrist bands are $10.00 for the day or $14.00 for two days.  They incluce the pedal karts, paddle boats, tube slide, and kayaks.  All things that keep you moving! 

Camping Lessons

Good evening!  As most of you know, my family went camping over the holiday.  Saturday to Saturday.  Each and every single day brought rain.  Some days downpours!  Camping is fun but it always make me reflect on my life.  And honestly, there are always lessons along the way!

Lessons learnt camping 2013 ~ first edition

1. Beige body suits and shorts/capris should not be manufactured.  Please think twice before purchasing either and, for the love of humanity, don't put together.

2.  Just because they make something in your size does not mean you should wear it.  I do not care about your confidence.

3.  Ladies.  Ladies.  Ladies.  Please for every single person out there .. when you try on a bathing suit don't just stand there in it and say "Yes!"  Move.  Groove.  Bend over.  Standing it looks fabulous.  When you lift an arm or bend over and your breast falls out.  Strangers don't find "Oops!  Sorry!" acceptable.  And when you bend over to lay your towel out or pick some thing up and the rear of your suit disappears in your @$$ crack .. seeing your naked cheeks and watching you remove said suit is not pleasant.  Better yet .. wash your hands after performing your surgery.  Pretty sure after 4 minutes of exploration then dropping your hand in your families bag of chips .. isn't just gross to the 10 people behind you.

4.  Kids need camping friends.  During the weekdays, life reverts to toddler years.  You become entertainment.

5.  You never realize how important a razor is .... until you forget it!  If you are one of those "crunchy" chics ~ more power too you.  But I'm not joining up any time soon.  Seven days without shaving and I wanna go crazy.

6.  How is it that out camping your family can take a quality shower in less than 5 minutes but at home they are always 15 minutes?  Explain that to me please!

7.  I love food cooked on the fire.  Love it.

8.  Walking your dog while riding in a golf cart is just pretty darn pathetic.

9.  Strangers and their children can get pretty irritating.  Add alcohol and it gets worse.  Yes, I am aware that my family probably gets on others nerves as well.  Why?  We are perfect!  LOL

10.  People stink.  Literally .. nuff said!

11.  No matter what one fly can ruin a nights sleep.

12.  No matter how much money you take .. it will never be enough.

13.  Wearing community life jackets is like sharing gym clothes.

14.  Camping is just like our regular life .. no one comes to visit.

15.  I seriously could live without a tv or telephone.

There were other things but that is all for now.

Tomorrows edition .... Peddle Kart Hell!