Mounds State Park

In April J.D. took a job with Toyota M&H in Columbus, IN.  It is a significant commute for him and a contract to hire position, but it proving to be a great opportunity for him and an answer to prayer for our family.  While we have been super excited about it, it has put a damper on any and all travel plans for the summer that consume anything longer than a weekend.  boo!  So, we decided to check out some state parks close by and do some camping - as long as I have an air mattress and ear plugs I can LOVE it for one night!  The first we checked out was Mounds State Park in Anderson, IN. 

 J.D. drove straight there from work and I managed to get the kids, camping gear, foods, loaded cooler and swimming gear loaded and happy into in one car -- yes, it was a small miracle!  The kids helped me set up tents and then we took off for the pool while we waited for J.D.  It was lovely, except ...

I left my suit in the tent and ended up paying to swim but had to sit by the pool in my clothes ... darn!  Oh well, got some good reading in  and the kids had a great time swimming and going down the slide.

 

 When we got back to the camp site we attempted to start a fire, which was a failure, but to my defense not only the was the wood green, it was hardwood and damp ... not a very good combination for a novice and a new scout.  We'll do better next time!

 There was a park close to our campsite ...

 And the hiking was gorgeous!

 

 

 We had a great time, even with a pre-teen who was less than thrilled about spending time with his family ...

 The mounds were really cool too, ancient structures built by Indians in the area a few hundred years B.C.

 And despite getting separated on our hike (J.D. and Master S went one way and ME and the other two another way) we both managed to get back to the campsite and made some great memories in the process.  Hoping we get to do this again soon!