The James River

On Labor Day we went to the river (again). The kids can't seem to get enough. It rained most

of the the week before we went so the river was considerably higher and faster then the week before. It was a fun time for everyone.

We have to climb down onto a bridge and then climb off the bridge when we get to where we want to be. We then cross the river where it's relatively shallow and slow. This time that meant up to my stomach and still faster then I felt comfortable with. Since it was moving faster, it was difficult to see the bottom, so we stumbled and slid on the mossy rocks all the way across. We went with Uncle Sean, Aunt Rachel, Morgan, and our friends, Dave and Rachel so luckily we had plenty of help with the kids. After crossing the river we hiked down a little ways to get to the swimming hole and jumping rocks. Mike took his camera this time and got some great pictures!

Here's Mike's pictures of the river. It's the same spot on the river, the second shot has an

adjusted exposure time - you can see how fast the river was moving that day!

Here's part of our group, Uncle Sean, Morgan, and Dave playing with the kids in the swimming hole.

Here is Anna Elise trying out someone's goggles.

Below is a picture of her getting ready to jump in.

Here's Calvin hanging out on the rocks and below he is watching out for Madeline, he is overly

concerned for her safety sometimes. It's cute, but she does NOT appreciate it!

Below are the kids drying out and warming up on the rock. Daddy tells them they are just like lizards when they lay on the rocks!

Here is Madeline, no fear as usual. She didn't really like help walking on the rocks or playing in the puddles. She would let people catch her when she jumped in, but that was it.

Here she is letting mom help her get out of the water, but pulled out of my grasp pretty quick!

Here's Maddie with her new friend. That moth landed on her lifejacket and wouldn't leave. It stayed there while she wandered around and played on the rocks and was still there when she

'swam' across the swimming hole and played with Rachel. It must've liked her.