Rock Island camping

We were truly put to the test back in October when we went camping for two nights at Rock Island State Park. I had seen in the forecast that there would be rain but we still hoped that it would change as is typical for weather in this area. When we arrived it was barely drizzling but in the time of putting up our tent it began to pour. It poured all night long. We ended up eating our next days lunch for dinner because we could have a fire and the camp stove wouldn't stay lit. 

Luckily our next day was beautiful! We were able to hike to (and through) beautiful waterfalls and enjoy the peace of the outdoors. We hope to go back when it is warmer next year to also enjoy some swimming and possibly stay longer because it is a great area to be. I have posted collages of our trip below. The picture of "rapunzels castle" (as Bailee called it) was used as a water pump to a cotton mill across the street that was no longer used once a flood happened in the early 1900's. There was a lot more history through the years of floods wiping out efforts of production and times of success in the area as well. 

That night we had trouble with our fire again and through Dave's determination, we were able to enjoy a fire late in the night. We even woke Bailee up again because she had been so sad that she couldn't see the fire, but she ended up sleeping on Dave's lap anyway and still missed it.

Overall the girls loved being outside and having fun getting dirty! 

Baby profile

We just can't get enough of her little side profile! She has food in her mouth but I couldn't resist documenting her cute little face :)

Rapunzel and Pascal

Bailee has been talking about Halloween and her costume since August. She decided to be Rapunzel and decided that Elise must be Pascal as her little sidekick. Then she realized she needs a Flynn Rider so of course daddy must fill that role. Once she had that figured out what was mommy going to be? She then decided I should be the horse :) I decided to stick to the role of "Creator of costumes" :) about mid-September she changed her mind about six or seven times but by then I had already bought the fabric so it was a done deal and I was convinced I would start the project any day at that point. Well that bag of fabric sat in my closet until October and with Bailee asked DAILY when she could try on her costume so I decided to get my act together and get going. Well I whipped it out in less than a week and I am so exited for her to wear it out for Halloween festivities! Our ward activity is this Saturday so I had a bit of a crunch time to get these done. To make her dress I followed a tutorial by http://www.makeit-loveit.com and made it my own.  I love that I don't have to buy patterns and I can use clothes the girls have to make up my own. It makes for more of a challenge and I personally have found it easier than figuring out pattern paper. My projects may come out a little straighter if I used a pattern but so far everything has turned out ok so I'll just keep to my little system of making my own :)