Memorial Day Weekend Get Away

This is the first Memorial Day weekend trip we have taken as a family.  Kimberlyn has had Ballet recital on this weekend the last 2 years.  This year they moved it to a week night b/c so many people did not like it on Memorial Day weekend.  I was so pleased to have this weekend open up b/c it is the first time I could schedule our family for a little mini trip and know that football nor soccer would interfere.  Let me just say with all of the end of year activities, planning Blake's birthday party, and Jake's Spring Game on the 22nd - this trip was very much needed.  I don't think I have ever been as tired as I have been this year.  Not complaining b/c it is way fun to go on a trip knowing the hubbub is over and should be settled for just a little bit. This little cabin I found in Sulphur, OK was a real treasure.  I was looking in the Turner Falls area but found out it was not pet friendly and we wanted Angel to go.  So I just happen to find this Tree House Cabin through http://www.premierlakeproperty.com/. I had no idea what to expect, but here is what we found...see pictures below.  On a side note, I am so glad we did not stay in the Turner Falls area b/c it was very crowded and not nearly as clean and serene as this place ended up being.  Turner Falls was also dramatic b/c Kimberlyn got 2 ticks there.  Ugh, but thankfully daddy is an expert at taking care of those as he got them on the farm a time or 2.  We had to take care of Angel as well. 
Another thing we found at the cabin besides the beautiful views was a snake.  I told the kids not to wonder in the grass b/c there maybe a snake or really big spiders.  Jake thought I got in their heads to much as they could not stop talking about it after that lecture.  Jake told them it was unlikely we would see one, but lo and behold, mom took them on a walk and Kimberlyn found a rat snake.  A big one!  So Daddy apologized and thanked me for the good lesson.  Ha Ha.  One night I was hanging out on our amazing deck and was pretty sure I heard a fox or coyote b/c it sounded like a dog running by.  We went out front and found a fox.  It barked (if that is what you call it) at us and ran away.  Found out from the owners that they feed the fox on the deck.  I am so glad I did not meet the fox on the deck!  My mom told them we were city folks and not used to that.  Ha Ha.  The fox was beautiful, but it made me very nervous with Angel. 
Let me just say, I had no idea what to expect on this adventure.  All I knew was that I wanted to be in nature (not tent camping yet), a cabin, and serenity.  I made no plans on this trip.  Every place we visited were places that were recommended in the book we found at the cabin.  It was such a treat to find Platt National Park (Chickasaw National Recreation Area).  So beautiful and peaceful.  I thought Turner Falls was going to be the treat, but you have to pay to go to Turner Falls and it was very crowded and not nearly as clean.  Turner Falls is a City Park, while Platt National Park is a National Park, hence the name.  We spent 3/4 of our time at Platt.  The kids became Junior Rangers which was no easy feat.  We had to complete a workbook - that really made us all work, and they repeated a pledge with a Ranger.  Very sweet, and great educational experience they really enjoyed working on.  They are so proud to have worked hard for their badges.  I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this trip.  One of my all time favorite get aways ever.  Maybe b/c I had no expectations and was so moved to see how much the kids enjoyed nature.

This was a great hamburger place right up the road from our cabin. We thought for sure they would be closed b/c it was Sunday and after hours, but they stayed open for us.  It was such beautiful weather, beautiful scenery all around, and a great hamburger to boot.  I must go back one day!