view from our campsite, cedar hill state park (texas)

the last couple of weekends jay and i have been taking advantage of this gorgeous texas and oklahoma weather and doing a little camping. i know, i know, so many of you think we are crazy, but we both just love being outside, and don't mind a little grubby-ness to be able to enjoy it. the dogs have a blast hiking, playing in the water (norman always finds the river, lake, whatever it is - he just loves it!) and snuggling up with us in the tent. we are a cozy bunch in there, it's really pretty fun.

two weekends ago, we hit the closest spot to town that we enjoy, cedar hill state park. only about 20 minutes from our house (aka 20 minutes from downtown dallas!). unreal it can get this pretty this fast...austin, eat your heart out (kidding, i know we are stretching here...)

doggies love the water!!

norm had a hard time "letting go," mckenz, looking on,safe with dad:)

tents for the crew!

last weekend we traveled about 3 hours north with two of our good couple-friends, mary and whitney and doug and kelly, to beaver's bend state park in oklahoma. jay and i both spent a lot of time in this park as kids, so it was really great to go back after all these years and see that it is still just as beautiful, as if it was absolutely untouched by the years that had passed!

the pristine beauty of the great state of oklahoma!

norman, enjoying the water - oh so cold!

j-aty take on the river, together... :)

the crew prepping for the hike