Adventures in Cave City

My bestest friend lives in Atlanta. We've known each other for 18 years and we don't get to see each other very often. In fact, it was January 2009 when I last saw her. We've never met eachothers' youngest children and Clara was only 11 months when we had our last visit together. When Stacy called to say they were going to be in Kentucky and asked if we could meet her, there was only one possible answer - Ummmmm? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! We planned a trip to Cave City to meet up and do some exploring with the kiddos. Our little rendezvous was over a month ago, but I have completely enjoyed looking back at the picture and thinking, "Man! We've got to do this more often!"

Our first day we attempted to visit Mammoth Cave. The closest we got was the lovely path to the entrance and up to the locked door of the entrance. Turns out they didn't offer the perfect, short, self-guided tour that day (contrary to the information I got when I called ahead to find out). Oh well! We settled for a nice walk instead.

Wilder, Clara & Colton, off to explore!

"I'm gonna get ya!"

There's just something about pictures like this, of the children you love.

 Our love bugs!

Wilder and Clara were playing leap frog.

Colton couldn't quite figure it out!

Our blonde beauty

After our walk at Mammoth Cave National Park we found our way to Diamond Caverns. They had a much more toddler friendly tour that fit our schedule perfectly!



It wouldn't be a story about Cave City if there wasn't at

least one picture of a cave, right? This is from our adventuring in

Diamond Caverns.

Taking a break on our tour. There were hundreds of stairs,

believe me, we needed a rest!

Three exhausted kids after an afternoon exploring caves

and swimming at the hotel.

Well, maybe not THAT tired!

Still have some energy left for jumping on the bed!

Day two found us braving the clouds and occasional sprinkles as we ventured through Kentucky Down Under wildlife park.

Up close and personal with a lorikeet.

Having fun with my temporary new hair accessory!

Colton was curious, but not enough to get any closer.

Kangaroos boxing, while two others,

inclduing one with a Joey in her pouch, look on.

Not at all embarrassed as I attempt to play a didgeridoo,

an Aboriginal instrument. I couldn't get the darn thing to make a sound!

Me and my Stacers!

Two days of catching up. Two days of exhausting fun. Two days of marveling at how our cute kids became instant buddies. Two days of many smiles. Two days making memories that will last forever. Even though we will probably always be states apart, we need to have more days like this!