A surprise for Grandpa!

Last week at this time, the Brockert fam was headed down to Arkansas for yet another visit to Devil's Den State Park. This visit was extra special because I was on a top secret mission with my sisters, our hubbies, and our children to surprise my dad for his birthday. The man hates celebrating his birthday because "it's just another day" and we should all "save our money instead of wasting it on a present." He thought he was going to get out of a birthday celebration this year by sneaking away to Devil's Den with my mom. Well, we fooled him and booked two cabins in the park for the entire duration of my parents' stay! My siblings (minus the city boy and his city people) and I arrived at the park around 10:30 Thursday night. With flashlights in our hands, we trudged up to my parents' cabin and knocked on the door. The birthday party pooper was definitely surprised. And thankfully happy to see us! Ha! A good time was definitely had by all...and especially by Miss Lainey!


Lainey LOVES being outside! Actually that doesn't quite describe it. The girl is OBSESSED with being outside and can't get enough sunlight and fresh air. Nick and I had a ball just watching her explore the great outdoors. We didn't get many pictures of our girl with a smile on her face because she was in constant observation mode. And observation is very serious business for a little one, let me tell you! It was very interesting to learn that Lainey prefers walking in the grass, crunching leaves with her feet, and examining sticks and rocks over swinging and going down the slide. She was very content to just do her thing and we let her! 

I packed mostly light pink outfits for a weekend in the woods.

What was I thinking? Ha! Thank goodness for Shout!

Nick explained to Lainey that she needed to wear her hat.

The hat's still on. For the moment!

And we gave up! :)

"Hey guys! I can do what you're doing!"

Lainey's tough boy cousins turn to mush around her!

"Don't forget about me guys! I love playing ball!"

"Thanks, Sammy! You rock at sharing!"

"Ha, ha, ha! See you later, sucker!"

My dad took Lainey for a walk in the wooded area behind our cabin.

Lainey found the crunchy leaves to be quite hilarious!

"I'm okay, Grandpa! I've got this covered!"

Lainey adored the rocks surrounding the playground. She sat and examined them for nearly thirty minutes even though there were kids screaming, laughing, and having a ball on the actual playground equipment. 

Sticks are apparently exciting as well. :)

My sweeties!

And my mom and pregnant sister in the background. :)

Addie + Lainey = Adorable buddies!

Addie + Lainey = A couple of nuts!

In addition to sleeping through the night each night of our trip, Lainey took her normal marathon naps each day. The girl was BEAT!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I look forward to the day when Lainey is big enough to go on long hikes. We couldn't hike much this visit because of Lainey's nap schedule. Maybe next time though! I can only imagine what creature my dad has in his hands and is teaching his grandchildren about. Love, love, love my dad!