camp time

Our first weekend here, we went down to Jackson and stayed at the camp for the weekend.

You never know what critters you are going to find, in this case it was a gopher tortoise. Granddaddy found him and brought him over for us to see. 

We loved having Grandmama come out to the camp and eat dinner while looking out at the river. 

We ate hotdogs and talked about what a fine camp it was.

We love making memories here and it excites me thinking about the fun these boys will have in these woods. I know Pop would be thrilled. 

It's funny how many people have mentioned they can see a little of Pop in Collin. I see it too and I love that little wink from God. 

Collin's first trip to the camp

Waking up to this view never gets old. 

Nor does snuggling in a big comfy recliner with a little one. 

Owen was so genuinely excited about everything at the camp this time.

Almost like he was seeing or experiencing it for the first time. 

He waved so hard at those barges coming down the river until they honked their horn.

Granddaddy loved having his boys with him at one of his favorite places in the world. 

We truly love our time here, and I know as these boys grow up and get older we plan to spend a lot more time in these woods. 

David's already dreaming of hunts with his boys.

But there is plenty of fun to be had before they get old enough to hunt. 

We rode through the woods looking at how the river changes, the wildlife, the seasonal changes in the woods and the trees that surround us.

My dad took us down a trail that I had not been down in a long time. He tried to keep it cut so he could ride Pop back to it to see this tree. It was one of Pop's favorite trees.

The tree is a Cherry Bark Oak and rare for this area. 

And that's the kind of son my dad was to his father. The kind that would make a road to bring his dad back there to look at a tree that he knew was important to him. 

I can't help but think of Pop when we are in those woods, and I love that my boys will get to enjoy what he loved so much.

(cypress in the Chastain swamp)

Owen had a big time.

And there is still enough little boy in him to have fun picking flowers with his mama.

We picked this big beautiful bouquet of yellowtops and took them to Grandmama. She adored them and the little boy who brought them to her.

when in Jackson

You get to eat treats like fruit loops...

while sitting on your very on stool like a big boy.

But then you must wear a camouflage hat

because you're at the camp and things just taste better that way.

You find treasures like bird nests in a box on the front porch.

You get to ride in the front seat with Grandaddy.

because he pretty much lets you get away with anything you want.

You may be a little stinker,

but you sure can be sweet and give good love.

Speaking of love, your Aunt Lynda painted you your very own Easter eggs. 

A little lamb for your first Easter and a Thomas the train for this Easter.

There are two other people that think you hung the moon. Your Grandmama and Pop sure do love you. You give them so much happiness and bring excitement to their everyday world.

Yes my little man, you have a lot of fun and bring so much joy when in Jackson.

at the camp

At the camp...

We celebrated Grandmama's 91st birthday.

We took really good naps.

These two became serious buddies this trip.

Cheered on our tigers.

Waved to the boats until they blew their horns.

 explored

and enjoyed the simple beauty around us.