(Photo by Ruthie Staalsen)

Everybody needs rest and relaxation. That's why they call it Spring BREAK!

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

This Spring Break we loaded our RV's and our families all went to Arkansas to camp with the kids and grandparents.

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

It was an incredible time! Our first stop was Dardandelle State Park.

(my toes)

I hung in my hammock for hours and enjoyed the scenery and the quiet! However, I did fall asleep and woke up with raccoon eyes from my sunglasses :)

Our campsite was right on the Arkansas River and it was gorgeous!

(by Kaarin Staalsen)

The Marina setting was beautiful too.

The kids had fun with sidewalk chalk. I thought this family tree was so much fun! They even blended the colors and used some shading. You know I'm all about the details...the details!

Yes, teens still love to play with sidewalk chalk!

The kids also enjoyed making these tie dye shirts with sharpies thanks to their Auntie Trish for bringing all the supplies and teaching them how to do it! You can find detailed instructions on how they created them by going to my "craft" board on Pinterest, they are adorable and EASY to make.

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

We had beautiful sunsets.....

(by Tricia Staalsen)

Breathtaking!

We took many naps, thanks to my husband who kept the clomping teens out of the RV while I slept :)

Our second stop was Ft. Smith State Park.

We did some hiking and really enjoyed this waterfall.

(by Terri Anstice)

Check out these pictures that Nana took of these butterflies.

We rented a Pontoon boat and had fun fishing, exploring the lake and especially enjoyed the sunshine! I think I evened out my Raccoon eyes, ha! The kids had a ball exploring this cave! If they had brought their sleeping bags I'm sure they would have loved to spend the night :)

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

We took lots of walks with our morning coffee.

Sat around roaring fires and told stories. Oh my goodness, laughter is the best medicine!

Played scrabble and cards by lantern light.

What's a camping trip without incredible food, especially an omelet for breakfat!. The best part is that we used paper goods all week so I didn't have to do dishes!

The brothers played slingshot golf while we girls watched! Very competitive these two are!

We had a tour of Wiedekehr's winery and had fun tasting all their sweet Swiss wines.

Enjoyed the countryside.

Had a picnic at the top of Mt Nebo. What a great view and the girls had fun being silly!

All of the above is why we camp (RV style). Getting away from it all, taking time to enjoy those you love, stepping away from the roles we play while living every day life and taking time to BE STILL.

This is how I am refreshed! God's creation is so inspiring and I'm blessed that I have the opportunity to be out in nature so I can enjoy it to the fullest.