The Buffalo was calling again, and we answered for the sixth fall in a row. This has certainly become one of our very favorite traditions.
Here's
2011 and
2012.
High: We arrived this year at pretty much the peak of fall color there in Ponca. The word spectacular doesn't go far enough as a descriptor for the beauty.
High: We ate at the Ozark Cafe on our way into town, and we haven't been in 3 years, so it was a fun treat. It is a North Arkansas establishment that is home town delicious in Jasper. We had happy campers all the way around.
Low: We didn't do a great job of coordinating plans of arrival, and so we made Ellen wait for us for a long time. I felt real bad about that.
High: We did a hike that we had never done before that turned out beautifully. It was two miles round trip and had gorgeous scenery all the way around.
This is our best and only family picture from this trip.
Low: Bella got tired at the very end of the hike. But - we have got to hand it to her. She did awesome for so much of the hike. She walked almost the whole way and only required candy bribes at the end. Sweet girl.
High: We headed to our cabin to soak in the view and enjoy a tasty dinner. We always eat amazingly well at the cabin, and that is helped even more when Becci comes with us.
Low: I forgot the goat cheese for the Goat Cheese Burgers. Bummer. But, we turned them into Whisky Baba Ganoush burgers, which did turn out pretty well.
Low: We are all die hard game players. We all assumed that someone else would bring the games. No one did. We played Hearts with cards I happened to have on hand, which was fun, but not what we had envisioned.
Low: The babies, who have been sleeping much better at home, had a pretty awful night of sleep. Bummer. I realized that I don't love it when I expect to get sleep and instead get up to feed babies at 12:30 and 5. And by don't love it, I mean that I was pretty frustrated.
High: Waking up to the beauty of the gorgeous valley view and letting the babies nap on the couch after breakfast.
High: Seeing the girls become gamers. I think Lily was winning this one. Also, their morning hair is pretty epic.
For anyone curious, we always stay at the Buffalo Outdoor Center, and we love it.
High: We hiked Lost Valley this morning. This is a place we go every year, and it never lets us down. Also, it is easy to hike with a group.

(aww, Sisters.)
Low: After yesterday's hike in Compton, Bella insisted on being carried. This is no easy feat, even for Super Dad. Thankfully, Becci was with us, so we had enough hands with us to carry all our children, except for Lily, who did awesome on both hikes. It gives us great hope for the future.
High: The time away enjoying the majesty of fall that God gives us here in Arkansas is always such a blessing and privilege. It's restful, relaxing and recharging - even with the kiddos in tow.
Peace out, Ponca - until next year!