Camping

We went hiking this weekend at Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park in west central Indiana. We were hoping to camp at Shades, but they were full so we stayed on Waveland Lake in a tiny campground. We went with our friend Kevin and his two daughters. I think they were glad we stayed on the lake because they got to go swimming and the place had a water slide. Here are some pictures from our adventures. DISCLAIMER- what you see may not look like Indiana, but I promise it is. Indiana does have a few hills and trees. Weird, yet true.

Turkey Run State Park

We went on the "rugged" trail which consisted of stairs, ladders, and dirt paths. Jesse and I kept laughing that "rugged" outdoor trails had handrails and stairs.

Some more hiking pictures

We had to climb some ladders up a waterfall during part of the trail. Just imagine trying to get Trouble (who weighs 50 pounds) up these... good times, good times.


This place is called The Punch Bowl and Trouble had SO MUCH fun splashing around chasing little fish. Jesse was really cute with Rosalee all along the hike. He kept teaching her about the trees, rocks, birds, etc. The above picture is Rosalee's lesson on moss. :)

Coming out of the creek on our trail. We had fun splashing around and hiking up rocks along the canyon sides. Rosalee liked dipping her foot in the cold water in the waterfall.

We were SO shocked at how green and beautiful it was! We imagined all the water would be dried up and the plants would look yellowed and gross.

Climbing up, over, and around rocks

Crossing the suspension bridge at the end of the hike

Relaxing after hours of hiking in the backseat of the car
Camping @ Waveland Lake

Our camp site!

How's this for camping!?

Rosalee and I played in the pool while Jesse and the girls went on the water slide

Jesse and Rosalee playing in Waveland Lake. The water was pretty warm so Rosalee had a great time! She also kept us on our toes by trying to put EVERY rock in her mouth. We forgot her swimming diapers so by the time we were done the diaper was HUGE and melting off.

The grill we cooked our corn and some hot dogs on. Look at Trouble staring at the plate wishing it was for her!

Jesse doesn't consider it a real camping experience if he doesn't cook some beans in a pot on the fire. The other picture is of Kevin eating corn in what he calls "true redneck fashion".

Isabelle reading us Indiana ghost stories by the fire

Snuggling by the campfire

While we packed up the car Rosalee took a nap redneck style! In the close up shot you can see her Elvis curl that Jesse gave her.

Shades State Park

Some shots from the trail we took that lead us through the creek and along some amazing waterfalls

Trouble enjoying the waterfall and Kevin being goofy

Jesse and Rosalee taking a break along the side of the creek

Hanging out down by the creek

From a distance it almost looked like a pickle in the trail. I'm pretty sure this is the largest caterpillar any of us have ever seen!!

Kevin and his girls

Playing in the grass with Isabelle before having to drive back home