We did find some time this past weekend to spend a day up in the Pocono mountains at a Christian retreat center. We've been going to Spruce Lake since I was a youngster, and the family still makes it a point to spend at least one day there every summer. There's plenty to keep everyone busy near the center, and lots of beautiful scenery and hiking trails.
All we need to bring for a good time is a picnic lunch (and dinner) and our swimsuits! There is plenty of space for the kids to run around on the playgrounds, and even though the pool is usually full of cold water they swim until their teeth chatter. This year we even found time to paddle around the pond!
The nature center is always a fun place to go! This time the kids were able to pet a snake, hold a bearded dragon, and little miss P even patted a big toad on the head. There are also lots of pelts and bones from deceased animals found in the area, and a few larger preserved animals. No photos though because I don't want to upset anyone.
Sadly, I didn't get pictures of the best milkshakes in this part of the state, the first game of mini golf that my son played, or the fire we gathered around to wind down before it was time to head back home. All in all it was a good (and tiring!) day.
