We rented a minivan rather than drive two cars. Brandon loved the minivan and was sad we couldn't keep it. It was nice to have space for everyone!
Our first stop (after the picnic which I took no pictures of...) was Cedar Falls.
Laedyn hitched a ride for a little while.
After we looked at Cader Falls, we went to look at Mather Lodge. There's a restaurant, gift shop, lodge rooms and cabins. This is view from behind Mather Lodge
After Mather Lodge, we went to the Bear Cave trail. The rock crevices are pretty interesting.
After Mather Lodge, we went to the Bear Cave trail. The rock crevices are pretty interesting.
Papa took over backpack duty for awhile.
With Papa on backpack duty, Nick got to climb the wall. He & Mark disappeared for quite awhile. I don't know how they got back down.
After Bear Cave Trail, we drove a scenic loop and stopped at a few overlooks. Mark the daredevil went out on a precipice. It was scarier than it appears in the picture.
All of the exploration, in addition to the kid's energy, wore Papa out and he snuck in a quick catnap.
Brandon & Nick thought Papa's idea had merit, and made themselves comfortable on a rock ledge too.
Brandon spotted a pretty yellow butterfly in a parking lot. Unfortunately it had a broken wing.
At the top of Petit Jean Mountain there is an old building that used to be used at a camp. We spent awhile climbing around in it exploring. Mom & I both took lots of pictures - I wonder how different her pictures are from my pictures??
At the back of the structure, there was a deep hole with an exterior door opening but no obvious way to get down in. There was water trickling out from under the structure (a spring?). I wonder if it was a cold celler to store food? We saw a snake sitting down there, so no one went down to investigate further.
The view from the top of Petit Jean ... & Mark.
I let Nick take Brandon off the trail to get a better view although all these heights make me extremely nervous about the kids.
The last thing we saw on this trip was the gravesite of Petit Jean. After that we loaded back into the minivan for the drive back to Little Rock. Just in time too - the rain began just as we were looking at the gravesite! 
With Papa on backpack duty, Nick got to climb the wall. He & Mark disappeared for quite awhile. I don't know how they got back down.
After Bear Cave Trail, we drove a scenic loop and stopped at a few overlooks. Mark the daredevil went out on a precipice. It was scarier than it appears in the picture.All of the exploration, in addition to the kid's energy, wore Papa out and he snuck in a quick catnap. Brandon & Nick thought Papa's idea had merit, and made themselves comfortable on a rock ledge too.
Brandon spotted a pretty yellow butterfly in a parking lot. Unfortunately it had a broken wing.At the top of Petit Jean Mountain there is an old building that used to be used at a camp. We spent awhile climbing around in it exploring. Mom & I both took lots of pictures - I wonder how different her pictures are from my pictures??
At the back of the structure, there was a deep hole with an exterior door opening but no obvious way to get down in. There was water trickling out from under the structure (a spring?). I wonder if it was a cold celler to store food? We saw a snake sitting down there, so no one went down to investigate further.The view from the top of Petit Jean ... & Mark.
I let Nick take Brandon off the trail to get a better view although all these heights make me extremely nervous about the kids.The last thing we saw on this trip was the gravesite of Petit Jean. After that we loaded back into the minivan for the drive back to Little Rock. Just in time too - the rain began just as we were looking at the gravesite! 
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