Mark Twain State Park

We went back to Mark Twain and stayed in one of the camper cabins for 3 nights. I was glad for the extra day since the first night we were there was a terrible rain storm which made the second day unseasonably cool (high of 71 degrees, so no swimming!)  We did get to swim the first evening we after dinner and we put on a brave face and went for about an hour the last full day when the high was in the lower 80's, but it was too cool to be 100% comfortable. We played Clue and went for a short hike. 

This is a view of the cabin from the trail by the lake: 

Isn't this the most interesting tree? 

Amelie spent quite a lot of time inside the cabin reading. 

I forgot to pack my book and she offered me one of hers. 

Here's a list of all the other things we forgot:
My sandals, which were drying on the back deck

Bowls

Spoons

Butter

Water pitcher 

James took a pack of 100 poppers. He shared with Leah,  and then we picked up all 100 little leftover bits. 

There was a really nice overlook  with a large sign about how dangerous it would be to jump off. 

This picnic shelter was built in 1941. I like how Amelie looks the same in all three photos. 

The kids played at this playground: 

And they also played at the smaller play structure actually in the campground. Leah made friends with 6, 11, and 17 year old brothers and played so long with them that eventually Amelie and James came down to see what we were doing and they all had a rousing game of tag. 

Here's Amelie making clover chains there: 

James and Sam had a good time skipping rocks. 

I was in charge of the fire for dessert. 

Sam got to take many photos and videos of nature - with the added benefit of being able to use them in his music videos. 

This flower has the most wonderful smell. I was raving on about it so Sam wanted to take a picture. Later, I looked it up on the MO Dept of Conservation website, which told me the name is Mullein (figworts family) & also that the leaves can be smoked. 

While we were gone, the terrible storm that didn't bother us too much in the cabin was knocking down a giant elm tree at our house. The city came to take care of the wire, but said we needed to remove the tree. 

It just barely got the eave and gutter of the house. Of course it's been raining and lightening and will require special equipment to remove - hopefully Tuesday if it doesn't fall down the rest of the way before then. (This part's been moved off the house & a tarp is on.)

I felt badly for our house/dog sitter who had an unexpectedly stressful gig! And very grateful for my mom who could come over and help deal with the mess so we didn't have to come home early. 

I also felt badly for Leah, who must have swallowed some muddy lake water, since she was up puking 

the last night we were there - no one else felt queasy and she got over it after the one bad night. I was worried about the car ride home, but it was uneventful, and despite all the minor setbacks we all had a good time (really!)