Cincinnati Reds Game

The Reds played the Nationals at night, and the Nationals won big. This meant the game was not extremely interesting. We still had a fun time. They had a great family fun zone where the kids played before the game. Drew enjoyed all the food associated with a baseball game.

Drew watching the game. He would say "ball" and act like he was throwing the ball.
Outside the ball park before the game started. The stadium is right on the river and we had a beautiful view from our seats of the ferries and boats.

Louisville Slugger Musuem

This is our third year to take a baseball trip (Drew's first trip). We have always gone in August and go to a different Major League Baseball stadium to see a game. This year we travelled to Cincinnati, however we stopped to see the Louisville Slugger Museum on the way. We got to see how they make the bats, engrave them, and stain them.

Every bat begins a billet. Drew and I are holding an example.

Jackson and Drew both got mini bats at the end of our tour. I am hoping these do not become weapons that they use to hurt each other.

Jackson and Andy got to hold Louisville Slugger bats that were actually used by Jim Thorne and Mickey Mantle.

Outside the factory and museum is the world's largest baseball bat.

This is the big glove and ball at the museum that is made from Kentucky limestone.

Williamson County Fair

Our family had so much fun at the Williamson County Fair. The boys loved seeing all the animals, participating in the farming exhibit, and riding the carnival rides. Drew enjoyed the Little Ones Farming exhibit for the first time. Here he is getting in bag of corn to use for feeding and planting.

Drew picking his apple

Me and one of the apples of my eye


The boys on the big tractor

Jackson loved all the carnival rides and would have done all of them if we had let him. He loved this obstacle course that ended with a huge slide.

Drew and Jackson both love motorcycles so they had to do this ride. The boys had so much fun riding it with Brody.

All Fresh and Clean!

After a week on the Mount Antero, we were all so ready for a shower! After lunch at an awesome pizza place (I can assure that greasy pizza never tasted so wonderful) and a walk around downtown Salida, we headed to our hostel for showers and clean clothes. The week ended with a banquet and devotional at Wilderness Trek base camp.

All the girls are smiling because we are so thrilled to finally smell good!
The boys!
Crew 1 rocked it the entire time! Our group headed to Sonic for a late night snack. My choice was a peanut butter fudge shake...so yummy. Robbie and Reed ordered extreme tots. It is so crazy that they do even list it on the menu. Tots, chili, cheese, ranch dressing, onions, jalapenos...EXTREME!
Back at the Hostel, we had time for a few more games of PooHead which a favorite at camp.

Summit Day

On our summit day, we had to get up very early to start our hike. It was still dark outside and cold. I was not looking forward to getting out of my warm sleeping bag/cocoon. After a quick breakfast, we begin our hike to the top of Mount Antero. The sun was coming up and we had beautiful scenery along our way.

Andy and I are all bundled up for the hike to the top.

These are some cheesy pictures we took at a stop on our hike. This was the point on our hike where the trail became extremely rocky.

Hooray! We made it to the summit!

I still cannot believe I actually did this, and definitely would not have been able to without our awesome group and guides. It was so amazing and beautiful at the summit. It was so untouched by the hands of man, so you could appreciate the beauty of what God created for us to enjoy.

Amanda, Chelsey, Savannah, Katie, Rebekah, and Sloan

All the guys

Rebekah and our wonderful guide, Katie

Mommy and Daddy with our son Kendall--we love those Mayes boys!

Andy and Robbie

Here we are with the Mt Antero sign after our hike out the next day.

Wilderness Trek was a truly life changing experience. Every aspect was incredible. Even though it was physically and mentally tough, it was so worth it. I have new appreciation for certain things in life. Each day I try to see God's beauty in my journey!