Ha ha tonka state park

On our way out of town ( well, it wasn't on the way. It was the wrong direction, but we were leaving town), we stopped by Ha Ha Tonka state park in southern Missouri. This one has been on my list since shortly after we moved to Missouri, but I just haven't been able to make it happen until now.

Among other near things, this park has a partial castle that was built here in the 1900's. Shortly after it was built, it sadly burnt down, but the remains are still amazing with some gorgeous views. We are our picnic lunch and did 2 short hikes before hitting the road. The kids were big troopers as it was super hot outside and everyone was feeling pretty tired from all their fun!

William's pizza kitchen

William cooks it up and Mama and Gemma eat it up! (Father's Day)

The way home

We came back on Friday and everyone fell asleep on the way home! It cracks me up that their heads are all facing the same direction.

Tantara: the room

This was exciting!

We were far off of the main complex, but we had a full kitchen! And 2 screened in porches with ceiling fans! A separate bedroom and 2 bathrooms! The luxury!*

Downside: there was a big flight of stairs with a tile floor below, which wasn't my favorite part. We pushed the glass coffee table up against this part so no one would go tumbling down in the middle of the night.

* we just reserved a smaller suite and then were upgraded when they didn't have any more smaller rooms available. This was nice, nicer than expected!

Amelia jumps

Here is Amelia jumping in!

William cannonballs

William has been very anxious to try out his "cannonball" technique this summer....

Tantara, Lake of the Ozarks

Last week was the annual professional meeting for adult education programs that is held every year at Tantara. This is the third year I have attended and the second year I've brought the whole family. I presented again this year and I felt like it went really well. I had a brief conversation with someone from the state department of adult education after my presentation about some other opportunities in the future. It will be interesting to see what comes out of it.

Our location wasn't as good this year, but we had a nicer room with some exciting features that made up for it.

All three kids were anxious to hit the pool area. William, Amelia and Gemma hopped in without any problem, but Gemma wasn't thrilled. Guess it's been too long! It took her a good hour to unwrap herself from my head and then she finally started to enjoy herself. And boy, then she was a wriggling fish! She was hard to hang on to after that!

More pictures to come!