Hiking at Matthiessen Lake

This week we decided to go hiking at a local state park. It is a beautiful place and hadn't had a chance to hike there this year. Last year we went several times but I never brought the camera and I've been wanting to go back to get pictures of the beautiful scenery. 

Here is a a log cabin (fort) that we explored on our way in. 

They barely fit their heads in there!

It was really dark inside but the picture came out pretty bright.

Hiking through the Dells sometimes requires "all fours"

There are lots of little caves along the trail. Cole informed us that this is where the black jaguars go to have their cubs.

It was beautiful!!

Hiking up some of the sandy hills.

They made it to the top of the hill and sat there for a while watching some daddy long legs fight.."the one on the left won"(Lucy)

This is the main attraction of the Lower Dells.

There are caves with connecting tunnels! 

The kids all went through without a flashlight :) 

Cole was the first to go up to the waterfall with Devin.

Almost there!

Reaching out to feel the water

Next up, Lucy!

Cole really wanted me to get a picture of him in the water. It was FREEZING but they all played in it for a bit.

Lucy touching the water

"Hi MOM!"

Lucy's goal this time was to cross all the stepping stones without help :) Sometimes it was not so easy!

Cole crossed the river this way EVERY time. 

Lucy made her goal and Cole stayed dry....

We hiked the Upper Dells the week before. You can do it all at once but it would be long hike and we liked having the extra time to explore each trail.

This one runs along the stream and you have to criss-cross through the stream multiple times.

Here they are going as high up one of the trails as they could.

There they are at the top!

Inevitably someone ends up in the water when we cross. This time it was my fault :( Sadie's hands were wet and I didn't get a good enough hold before she tried to jump from step to step...She had a pretty scratched up chin and mouth for a few days.

The kids ask everyday if we can go hiking. I wish I could take them by myself but it is definitely a GREAT weekend activity to do as a whole family. 

We are happy to have this beautiful world to enjoy!!!