KOA Camping- Friday, July 2nd

We left early Friday morning, met dad in Statesville and drove together to the KOA campground in Crossville, TN (that's about half-way between Knoxville and Nashville). We watched for Hannah Montana from the time we crossed the TN state line, as Jackson was convinced we would see her since she lives in Tennessee. I booked a cabin at the KOA, described as "rustic" but it had AC...

We went fishing and swimming, fed the ducks, and Dad took Jackson on several walks... Dad, Taylor and Jackson fed the ducks (not pictured). There were three ducks that were residents of the pond near our cabin... they kept coming around looking for food, but would run away when Jackson tried to catch them. The rest of the weekend, Jackson told the story of catching three fish, each time the fish got bigger (boy, they learn early to tell the "big fish" story!!)


Jackson's favorite part was the cookout- roasting hot dogs and Smores. In between, the two we went to an ice cream social held by the campground. He realized that catching the marshmellows on fire, is much more fun than simply making tasty treats!!

Missing child

Yes, even social workers lose their children.

It's happened once before, about 1 year ago ...
I was washing dishes and... next thing I know Jackson is no where to be found. I called for him downstairs, then up... no answer. I went into the back yard, then the front. Each time calling out his name. I started to get frantic and ran back through the house, calling his name over and over. I called in a "nice voice", then made promises if he's come out. I finally called Mike at work and told him that I'd lost Jackson. I was out of places to look! I was crying and in-through-the-front-door walks Jackson! "Hi Mom!" with the innocence of one who didn't know he was lost. Turns out he was playing hide-n-seek with me... but failed to let me know. Turns out Jackson, even at 3 was a great hider... He was behind the AC unit on the side of the house.

Tonight...
He went into the neighbor's backyard and was playing on their swingset. Of course, he didn't answer because he knew he was going to be in trouble. So, he's in his room for the rest of the night. I explained to him that he has lost the freedom to play in our back yard since he abused my trust and left without asking or telling anyone. (Although I wanted to spank him!-- Ignore that last comment mom)

Holiday here I (we) come!!!

The long weekend starts early for me (and the boys). We are westward bound tomorrow morning. We're meeting my dad in Statesville in the morning. Our first stop-- Crossville, TN, where we are staying at a KOA campground (in a cabin, with AC). Then, Saturday morning we'll go on to Western Kentucky. I'll blog some more details when I get back.

So, it's 9pm, the bags are packed. The kids are in bed (well, Jackson's upstairs, at least). I feel like a young child, I'm so excited!