Taughannock Falls

This weekend we were all supposed to go camping at Taughannock Falls with Meredith, Curtis and their kiddos R and M as well as Rob and Janae D., but Matthew and his schooling ruined it. Matthew has this research paper due and although he has put many hours into it, it just doesn't seem to be finishing. It is an understatement to say that Matthew and I are both frustrated and tired. I have also been feeling a bit lonely not having him around all day and sometimes all night, so I decided that I should still go hang out for the day on Saturday even though I was no longer planning on staying the night to camp. I am so glad I did. It was just what I needed. It helped to cure the loneliness and was a beautiful day, perfect for wandering and enjoying the nature around us.

E and I left fairly early in the morning so we could enjoy our friends and the falls for as long as possible. We had previously arranged to make lunch for everyone and in turn the other meals were provided by either family. Rob and Janae had spent Friday night camping, so they welcomed us when we arrived. We decided to hang around the campsite and play games while we waited for Meredith, Curtis and their kids to arrive. I taught them to play Ripple and E had fun watching and interacting while sitting in her Bumbo.

Just as we were finishing a bite of lunch and getting ready to check out the falls, Meredith and her crew pulled up, so we decided to wait as they grabbed a quick bite and changed into their swimsuits.

Falls at the start of the trail to Taughannock Falls

Wandering the river on the way to the falls

Janae and I enjoying a mini waterfall

It was a short walk to the falls, but it took us awhile to get there because we meandered through the river along the way. It was a perfect day out; bright blue sky and not too hot and not too cold. On the way back towards the cars Curtis took a closer look at a set of falls near the beginning of the trail and next thing we knew he jumped in.

E even took a dip; she didn't seem to like it at first

But then she was alright with it

M loves E. She taught her to splash!

The guys were great at maneuvering the strollers up and around obstacles

Taughannock Falls

Another view of the falls at the trail head

Curtis before and after taking a dive

It was still fairly early in the afternoon so before heading back to the campsite we decided to take a quick dip in the lake. Meredith watched after E while Janae, Rob and I jumped in. We dived from the floating dock a few times and then had a race along the length of the swimming area. Rob whooped us and I'm pretty sure Janae was taking it easy as to not make me feel like a complete looser!

E had a great time at the lake. She even sang for us; I love her happy noises.

View of Taughannock Falls from above

After Meredith and Curtis had a turn in the lake we headed back to the campsite for dinner. Janae and Rob cooked up some fantastic foil dinners that included beef, onions, carrots, zucchini and french fries. As dinner was being cooked R found a frog friend who tried to jump on the food. R wanted to hold him for safe keeping, but unfortunately by the time Curtis grabbed a container, our fly eating friend had stopped breathing.

R caught a frog

I have a feeling froggy was posing for his last photo

If you look closely you will notice that R has his right hand closed. He was holding the frog and although it was a loose hold, froggy went to sleep and never woke up (R didn't realized that frogs breathe through their skin).

After dinner we enjoyed the rest of our evening roasting marshmallows for s'mores. I've never been a huge fan of s'mores, but I enjoyed a playful twist by placing a mallow between two chocolate chip cookies! Along with dessert we played games until around 9:30 or 10pm then E and I had to start our journey home. It's a trip E and I would take again so that Matthew could enjoy it as well!