Luray Caverns

When Ken's parents came in March to visit new baby Cora, they took the kids to Luray Caverns (the largest caverns here in the east!). Everyone had a blast. Sadly, Ken had to work, and I had a new baby, we weren't able to go. So for Ken's birthday they gave him the gift of a family day-trip to Luray Caverns.

A family picture! Woo-hoo. You have no idea how rare these are (and with everyone looking and smiling!). It doesn't hurt to have beautiful stalactites as the background.

What's the difference between stalagmites and stalactites? Well, just ask these boys, they know the answer (trust me, I had to ask them multiple times throughout the trip). Here's a helpful hint: "The stalactites have to hold on TIGHT to the ceiling.  The stalagmites MIGHT grow all the way up if they are lucky."

Ellie sees the rock formations as art more than science. I had to agree with her that the rock formations were stunning works of beauty.

This was my absolute favorite place in the cave. There was a lake on the ground that reflected the stalactites perfectly, creating the illusion of a deep cavern of stalagmites. So what you see behind me, aside from what's above my head, is all reflection. I could have stayed there all day. It was very peaceful.

Ken and Riley near a small cave. Riley did not like the caverns. They were "too scary" for her!

There were dozens of beautiful formations that made me lose my breath, but one of my favorites were this woven looking rock formation. The pattern really makes the rock look like a blanket or drapery. When I see such beautiful creations, I can't help but think of the joy Jesus had in creating this world for our benefit. Did he smile when He formed an earth with hidden caves, knowing that someday someone would discover the cave, and it would bring thousands of people such happiness?

After the caverns, we went to the Garden Maze. It took us 30 minutes to find our way through the maze. We all had groups (Otho + Riley, Abe + Ellie, Mom + Dad + Cora). There was a soft drizzle of rain that kept us cool as we ran down, around, and through the path. I felt like I was Harry Potter in the Goblet of Fire (minus crazy magical creatures). It was fun listening to our kids yelling through the maze, trying to find their way, running into them on the path, and finally finishing the maze together as a family.

After the rocking-awesome maze, we went over to a ropes course. Riley was too short for the tall rope section, so she stayed down low to explore in her own area (there were three levels, the first for preschoolers, the second had moderately difficult tracks, and the third was super difficult).

Otho was super brave, and scampered up to the top level and had no fear as he scurried from place to place. Sometimes he'd fall off the rope, but he'd climb back up and do it all over again. What bravery!!!

Ken had a blast (don't be deceived by his monkey shoes. I thought they would help him grip the rope, but he said it hurt his toes a ton).

Ellie spent the entire time on the obstacle course, and didn't shrink in fear, although her legs were shorter than everyone else. She diligently went over the ropes, jumping from platform to platform.

Abe wasn't as daring as Otho, but he ran from place to place, tacking each obstacle with a fierce determination.

I love this shot that Ken took of the boys (with Abe in focus and Otho in the background). They are on different levels, about to go down another path. I love these boys...the joy they find in life, the bravery they have when faced with obstacles, and how the find best friends in each other.

Please note that although I am not in any pictures, I did attempt the obstacle coarse. Granted, I am afraid of heights, and I clung to the posts for dear life. When I finally talked myself into going up to the third level, I thought I was going to die. When I almost threw up (going higher was a bad idea), I decided it was time to go home. It may or may not have taken me some time to work my way down the coarse. Yes, I am a baby, but I don't regret my cowardliness at all.

What an amazing day. Rarely any fighting. Everyone had a fun time. We grew closer as a family. These are the days that make sweet memories.