This past weekend, we decided to go to
Tallulah Gorge. We made it down all the stairs, crossed the rocks to make it to the other side of the river and hiked our way to the natural water slide. I know this place has a specific name, but I can't remember it and Matt isn't around to tell me what it is.
We had lots of fun sliding down the rock, swimming in the water, and just playing around with each other. I think the kids were surprised a couple of times by how strong the current was in the river and honestly, so was I.
Here's Jonah making his way back up the rock after enjoying the water slide.
Savannah sneaking a snack (well, at least she thought she was sneaking)
Ryanne getting ready for take off
Matt pretending to be washed away by the water
Savannah and I taking some self portraits
We had a fun time- at least up to that point.
We were the last ones to leave the water slide area and as we starting hiking back over the craggy rocks, it began to downpour. Now, if you live here in Georgia, you know what I mean when I say that it starting to rain and it. did. not. stop. It was one of the worst rainstorms I have ever been in. The hike back was a little bit scary for the kids because the rain made the rocks slick and slippery and some of them were steep, up high- meaning one false move would send you sliding on your bottom to the now, raging river.
I tried to keep my cool because Ryanne was really scared and she slipped a couple of times- luckily I was right there and I was able to grab her. The rain just kept on pouring and pouring and pouring. We were absolutely drenched and I couldn't see anything since I had my glasses on.
Now, Matt and I are almost complete opposites and this is one of the times that I was so grateful for that difference. I was trying to stay calm, but inside I was freaking out and by the time I saw the place where we had to cross the river to get back to the stairs/trail- I completely lost it and starting crying and shaking. Now, a little while before that, Jonah and I had slid down a rock face and I landed on a bunch of jagged rocks, which immediately left me with a huge purple bruise/scrape on my upper thigh/butt. So, I might have been in a little bit of shock because that really didn't feel too good. Anyway, the point is- I was scared we were all going to be swept into the water and die, but Matt was as cool as a cucumber and loving every minute of this "adventure".
Obviously, we made it out okay and the rain continued as we climbed the catrillion steps to get back to our car.
All in all, it was fun, but there were a few scary moments for a couple of us. Ry declared that she never wanted to go back, but hopefully we can look back and just remember the good parts of this outing in the near future :)
I'm not really sure how it is already this time of year. How do the minutes, hours, days, and months keep flying by?
Last wednesday was the first day of school for Ryanne and Jonah. Ryanne is now in 1st grade and Jonah is in 4th grade. I can't believe I have a 4th grader.
We thoroughly enjoyed summer and I was really sad to see it come to an end. I love long days of swimming, playing, the sun and fun. I love it that my kids sleep in and can stay up late and play. I was dreading the early hours of getting up and getting everything ready for school.
But then I decided to change my attitude and be happy. I decided to wake up early, so I would have enough time to do everything I needed to in the morning and I decided to wake up the kids a little bit earlier than I did last year so the mornings wouldn't be so rushed. The first 3 days went smoothly and we all felt good about our new routine. Hopefully we can keep it up for the remainder of the school year.
The kids love their teachers, their classes, their friends and so far, so good! Here's to a great year.
And here is the special breakfast we had for the first day of school- Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
