Stone Mountain

Last weekend the kids and I spent an incredibly fun afternoon/evening with Ryan's mom's family at Stone Mountain. I absolutely love this group of ladies [and kids]. They are the most down-to-earth, caring, easy going, and fun women. We mostly only spend time together during holidays or if they are able to come to David and Rachael's birthday parties, which are all events that are under a time limit and I'm too busy to get to enjoy their company. So, this was a special treat and to say we had a blast is an understatement.

I hadn't been to Stone Mountain since I was a little kid and had never hiked it. I had no idea what to expect, which was probably a good thing. As our group headed up the mountain David led the way with Jacob [the only other boy in the group].

Rachael, Aunt Angie, and I brought up the rear because Rachael wanted to walk by herself. 

We came to a half way stopping point and needed to rest.

All the littlest kids.

Soon Rachael's little legs couldn't handle the hike anymore, so sweet Kelsey gave her a lift.

Just before reaching the top Rachael wanted me to carry her. This is how we looked when we finally made it to the top of the mountain. 

Exhausted.

We were all very excited to finally be at the top.

David loved being at the top. He especially loved watching the tram taking people up and down the mountain. 

Both babies with Kelsey.

We're really hoping she'll come babysit for us when she goes to college just down the road from us in a few weeks. [wink, wink, if you're reading this Kelsey] The kids adore her. David even wanted to hold her hand for much of our hike back down.

One last picture of the kids and I before we started our trek back down.

Two cuties on a big rock.

Once we made it back down we drove to the other side and had a really fun picnic dinner on the lawn in front of the famous carving. All the kids had a great time running around and playing with each other. It was so much fun to watch them.

Every time the train would come by all the kids [and adults too] would run down to wave at all the people going by. 

While down there one time we stopped for some pictures closer to the carving.

All the kids.

My babies and I.

And Twinkle with us. [Clearly David was ready to get back to playing]

After dinner, Aunt Sarah pulled out the glow sticks she brought for all the kids. David and Rachael thought they were the best thing ever. 

Rachael modeling her necklace.

And David in his necklace and bracelet. [sorry this picture is blurry, it was starting to rain]

Even though we didn't stay for the Laser Show this year we still had such a super fun time! I'm not sure the kids are ready for the show just yet. I can remember being afraid of it when I was little and Rachael is terrified of fireworks as it is, so I think we'll wait a few more years until they can really enjoy it. 

Both babies were passed out before we even made it out of the park. They walked all over the mountain, saw so many cool sites, and played until they couldn't play anymore. It was great.