Heading off on a family vacation . . .

We headed off to Barren River Lake, Kentucky, closest to Scottsville, and in the middle of July. We took off right after a very busy time for Daddy at work, in summer classes and VBS number one. We ended up in a spot directly across the lake from the beach and also the marina.

It's not too long of a drive, but enough of one to knock out a three-year-old. :-) We planned to stop at Bernheim Arboretum and Research to check out three unique forest giants. Apparently they are only to remain for 3-5 years, so if you get a chance, check them out if you're heading that direction! The park guy that shared with us said the giants were created by several Danish artists and an artist from California. 

The first one we visited was a short walk behind the Visitor Center. It was Little Nis. On the way to visit Little Nis, we walked by a bunch of turtles that were feeding and active. It was fun to see.

When we went up to Little Nis, Vanessa fell in love. The experience left her determined to find a  husband to let her to do this kind of art. They will buy a big property and Vanessa will create her own creatures.

"Photosynthesis" art!

The above was a variation of a crescent. I can't remember the title, but Zane felt like it was the perfect spot to stick his body. :-) Zane would have been content just staying here. He was a little antsy and didn't want to hike in the heat. basically the last day of the heat index warning days, and he wanted to get to the cabin. He pulled through though. Hendrix was just waking up and wondering what we were doing. He perked up quickly and was eager for the adventure.

I think Zane decided there was a payoff for meeting Mama Loumari. We learned that she is expecting, and tucked behind her head was a ring of baby shower gifts. A sign told the kids they could climb on her legs but they were not to go up on her stomach. 

The baby shower gifts were perfectly awesome.

 After hearing about the artists' approaches to molding and shaping bourbon barrels into the forest giants, the park guy shared a shortcut to Little Elina, to get us out of the heat. He explained that it's the path the artists and workers use to bring in and work on the pieces.

Vanessa gifted Little Elina with paracord keychain she had made in Girl Scouts. We're wondering how long those gifts will remain . . .

When we finally made it to the cabin, Hendrix was over the moon to pick out his bedroom. Funny thing, though, he didn't ended up sleeping in this one. :-)

During the ride down to Barren River Lake, Vanessa spent about an hour or so finger knitting what she ended up calling her sausage. She quickly knitted a short one  for Zane once we settled in.

 The kids dove right into the games at the cabin.

And once everything was in it's place, we ventured down the street to the shoreline of the lake.