Our annual trip to Steamboat Rock State Park is our favorite part of the summer. We spend ten days camping in the sunshine and playing in the water and sand. This year was no disappointment. The weather was a little volatile (one storm had over 60 mph winds!) but we made it out unscathed. We had an amazing time continuing old traditions, like movie night in the boat, breakfast in the boat, Mexican dinner, hiking Steamboat Rock, rock jumping, cousin photos on the beach, and more. We also began some new traditions: Sunday service in the boat and family pictures on the tree. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful time with our family each year! We also had some visitors: the Bonnell family, the Topliff family, the Shuck family, and Grandpa and Grandma Keene. Between family and friends, we were busy.
JT had the trip of a lifetime. He learned to pedal his bike, swim in deep water with his life jacket on, and chew gum without swallowing. He started reading Magic Tree House chapter books at bedtime. He asked to ski behind the boat and tube with his friends and loved both. He spent countless hours in the water every day.
Haley enjoyed playing in the sand, riding her tricycle, and walking in the water up to her knees. She was not interested in swimming, tubing, skiing, or other water sports. There is time to convert her. 🙂
There is too much fun to write about, but I will sum up with captions below.
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| Haley napped each day in the shade of the tree on her cot. |
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| JT took a few practice sets on the beach before |
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| Aunt Gena and Uncle Jeff in the boat |
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| Haley’s favorite pastime |
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| The first of our visitors: JT’s friend Brady |
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| Jim in his favorite spot :the boat. |
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| JT fell asleep in the bow – still hanging on to the handle |
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| JT’s favorite spot: in the water |
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| Aunt Gena conquers Steamboat Rock |
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| JT hiked over half the trail on his own, and Jim carried Haley in a pack |
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| Cousins’ view from the top |
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| Haley enjoyed skiing on the beach but didn’t want to try it behind the boat |
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| Sweetie pies 🙂 |
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| Ali and Haley |
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| Haley and Mom |
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| Boat smooches! |
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| So silly… |
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| Roll Tide! |
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| JT and Uncle Jeff: Go Army! |
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| Coming back from a walk down the beach |
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| JT’s big smile after pedaling his bike all by himself |
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| On a bike ride with Dad |
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| Boat naps |
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| Swimming with Dad |
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| Skiing behind the boat |
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| My handsome men |
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| Preston’s turbo tubing |
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| Badmitton tournament |
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| Early morning runners’ picture |
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| Good morning in the tent! |
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| JT enjoyed a ride in the Shucks’ canoe |
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| Family pictures on the tree |
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| Going into town for dinner |
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| This is how JT and Haley got to the beach – “you want it, you carry it” |
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| Sunglasses are a must |
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| Morning ski run |
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| JT tubing |
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| Dinner in the boat: Jim took his in the tube |
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| Ladies’ rock jump |
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| Preston’s rock jump (!) |
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| Annual girls’ boat trip picture |
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| Preston gave Grandpa and ride in from the boat |
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| Evening ski |
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| We were all set to take a family picture… until the sprinklers came on! |
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| JT and Haley riding bikes |
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| Popsicles on the beach |
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| Swimming in the warm water |
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| JT on the rope swing |
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The ride home: relaxing in the passenger area while Preston drives
There’s more… click “older posts” to continue!
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The Keene Family 
Love the pictures and treasure the memories!! NC COLES
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The pictures of Haley skiing are just too cute! I also LOVE the Alabama swimsuit!
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