theschmidtsinfl: Boating and Camping

So the first weekend in 2009 presented us with the idea to do what we have been saying we wanted to do for some time now. Something we enjoyed so much together and with friends but had not yet taken the giant leap of faith to try with the kids. CAMPING!!
So that Saturday morning we took that giant leap of faith. We loaded up the car(you would think we were leaving for a week) and drove up to the Salt Springs State Park in the Ocala National Forest. We checked in at the campsite and realized that Rana and Ron must already be on the boat in the Salt Springs Run. So we jetted over the marina where we met up with Brandi, Brooke(her daughter), Logan(Brooke's boyfriend). Rana and Ron(Mee Maw and PopPop) picked us up from dock. We were off. A fun-filled afternoon on the water.

Here is a picture of Aunt Brandi and Sydney taking in the moment.

Here is a video of some really great giggles with Mee Maw(Rana).

Here is a clip of our ride on the boat. Look at Parker's huge grin.

Here are Parker and Sydney on the bow of the boat saying goodbye to Aunt Brandi, Brooke, and Logan.

And here we are settling in at the campsite we shared with Rana and Ron. They had the camper and we used the tent. Here are Parker and Sydney helping Daddy put up the tent.

Here is a video clip of Sydney and Parker helping drive in the stakes. Soooo cute! They wanted to be involved in it all.

Now Daddy and Sydney hanging out.

Pop Pop(Ron) and Daddy went to collect firewood and we let MeeMaw rest for a bit. Parker, Sydney, and I went on a nature walk. They were so good. They stayed with me and just explored. They were so excited to pay in the leave.

Here is a video clip of the kids playing in the leaves.

Parker and Sydney enjoying their very first campfire. Once again, they were great listeners. They knew not to get too close.

Here is Parker waking up after his first night sleeping in a tent. Now that is a happy camping face!

Here is a pic of Sydney after her first night camping. Another happy camper!

Here is video of our first morning after a night in a tent.

Later that day we went for another ride on the boat. This time we met up with Aunt Brandi and Uncle Johnny at the Silver River run. What a beautiful day! What beautiful scenery! The springs are deep and blue. Because it was such a warm day there was so much wildlife to see. The kids took it all in. Among the wildlife were turtles, gators, birds, fish, and best of all MONKEYS!! Yes you heard me....monkeys! Tribes of Rhesus monkeys.

The legend is that these monkeys are descendants of escapees of the Tarzan films shot during the 1930's.

We stopped and shared some of our trail mix with them.

Here are some pics and videos of our visits on the way down the river and up the river.