Fall Weekend in the Poconos

This past weekend we drove up to the Poconos Mountains for a short vacation with our good friends the Pohle's. It was a much needed escape as we realized we haven't taken a family vacation (long or short) since last December. The house Tammy reserved was perfect with huge windows overlooking the woods. It was beautiful as the leaves were just turning and we all agreed a trip here in the winter for skiing was necessary. The house also had a hot tub which us adults thoroughly enjoyed after the kids were asleep! A special thanks to Tammy and Matt for planning the entire thing including the horseback riding and hikes. This made for a very relaxing time for myself. I'll have to definitely return this favor on our next vacation :) They are just leaving the Poconos today - we were so jealous that they were able to stay for an entire week!

We all agreed that a vacation with kids was very much the same as being at home but in a different location. I wish I had a picture of our van loaded up with everything! And, yes...I said van. Yep, we have a van...a minivan. I'll post something later on that. Anyway, the stuff you need to bring for a 2 night vacation!! The pluses are that there are more adults to go around, the kids can entertain each other, and you get to enjoy some adult company in the evenings!

Doug and I went horseback riding Saturday morning (our firsts since young kids) while Tammy and Matt watched the kids. We returned the favor for them that afternoon. We had so much fun! We were the only 2 at our early appt and it was so relaxing. My horse, Betsy, was quite a tailgater while Doug's horse, Scotch, was much more laid-back.

On our way to the stable we spotted some wild turkeys out our car window. You can spot them almost everywhere you go:


A "scary" trail:


Here's Doug at the stable:


Doug mounting his horse:


Me and Betsy:


Doug and Scotch:


Every time I pointed the camera at Evan he would turn and give me the biggest smile!


This is pretty much what Avery did the entire weekend...except with her eyes closed!


Addy enjoying some tic tacs:


Addy and Evan seemed to enjoy playing with each other even though they are 20 months apart in age:



Evan getting up close and personal with Avery:


We changed alot of diapers over the weekend...


And took many naps (well the kids did at least )...



We visited this local lake in the evening. The lake was so calm and peaceful. Notice the beautiful house on the other side of the lake. We think this is first house Tammy was about to reserve. We've decided we'll be staying there next time :)



I love this picture of the Pohle's - notice Chloe's eye for the camera :)


My family!


Isn't that the most adorable face!


Sunday we had time for a scenic hike down a trail (I forget the name) in the State Park 5 min from our rental house. The trail led to a beautiful waterfall.









We left to come back home shortly after this hike and it took about 20 minutes just to get situated enough to leave the driveway of the rental house. We made it back home and had a very uneventful drive...just how we like it!