Natural Tunnel State Park

Last weekend, we took a trip up to Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia. This was such an amazing little place, complete with train to climb on, ski lift down the mountain side, and some gorgeous views along a trail of a tunnel and lots of cliffs. Apparently this used to be a location for an old train station. The train would go right through the tunnel that was a natural formation in the mountain! They said there still is a train that comes through a couple times a day, but the station has since been abandoned. It's been turned into a state park for tourists to hike! Very cool place and it's only 40 mins north of us!

The actual natural tunnel is the big black hole. It's much bigger in person than in the pictures! The other little tunnel was formed for the train to pass under. Such a cool place.

I couldn't pic just one pic of us, so here are way too many to choose from! haha. The lighting and scenery were just too perfect!

Hiking up the trail a bit:

We decided to drive north of a little while afterwards to get some more good views of the Appalachians. Never disapoints!

Charlotte's birthday party

Ivy's friend Charlotte (Leisa's daughter) turned 6 a couple weeks ago and invited a few friends for dinner at a hibachi grill in town! I didn't stay but my friend Leisa sent these photos of the event! She said the girl's were hilarious but Ivy didn't eat a thing, naturally, so Sam and I got to enjoy her leftovers. Hehe! ;-)

Charlotte, Ivy, and Madi:

Fishing at Warriors and Exchange Place fall farmer's festival

One afternoon, Sam took us to Warrior's State Park to show the kids a little fishing. it was quiet and calm and kids thought it was pretty fun. Also exciting when he caught a pretty big fish! Neither one of them wanted to touch it though. haha!

A week later, Fall Fest hit Kingsport! We walked the farmer's market downtown, then headed over to the festivities at a little farm called the Exchange Place. It was a fun morning! Love the little local events they put on around here!

Madi's birthday party

Ivy's good friend Madi turned 6 a few weekends ago and both Marshall and Ivy got invited to her "superhero party" at their family farm in the country.. Such an adorable party put on by my good friend Shannon! Complete with painting super hero capes, relay races, hunt the kryptonite, and silly string tag! Kids all had a total blast and it was fun to visit with my girlfriends Leisa and Shannon, of course. 

Laurel Run hike and Greenbelt walk

Earlier this month, we took a morning to explore the Laurel Run trails. This hike has been one of my favorites in the area! Gorgeous trail, rock jump through a creek, and it ends with a waterfall! We happened to go on a weekend that the water was fairly low so the waterfall wasn't very impressive that day but it was still beautiful! And the kids had a blast. Love adventuring with my little explorers!

A couple days later, we took the kids on a walk/bike ride along the greenbelt. the sunset was particularly beautiful this day! the water was super calm and the leaves are just starting to change!