4th of July with Yogi

We made a last minute decision to go to Jellystone in Luray over the 4th of July.  We went there for the first time in the fall and the kids just loved it so we knew it would be a hit.  This time we got a cabin with a bathroom, a little luxury for our forest adventure, ok?  We enjoyed their candy bar bingo and Gavin won!  8 candy bars in his lot!  We headed to downtown Luray for their fireworks display and were shocked at how great the show was for this little town, the fireworks probably lasted a full 30 minutes and we kept thinking it was the grand finale only to have more and more explode in the sky.  We would definitely head up there again just for the show!  Just a couple of miles from our cabin there was a raging forest fire that has been plaguing our area for more than two weeks.  The smoke was heavy in the air and you could see many areas of damage on the mountains facing the campground.  During the days there was a constant flow of helicopters carrying water to drench the fire and we saw many volunteers working to help control it.  We were surprised that we were even allowed to make a fire at our campsite.  The next day we took full advantage of Jellystone and did laser tag, mini golf, paddle boats and spent most of the day in their pool area and waterslide.  Gavin spent the entire time going down the slide and made lots of friends with the workers there that showed him creative ways to go down the slide again and again.  Cameron was a big paddle boat fan even in the 100 degree weather and Mason just kept chugging along without missing a beat until we came home for a short respite and he passed out within minutes.  We also participated in a scavenger hunt and an animal show and made s'mores with the candy bars we had won.  On the last day we went fishing and caught 3 bluegills before packing up and heading home.   Our family loves this place and the feel of camping it gives us with so many luxuries and activities to do.  I'm sure we'll be back again in the fall and many more times to come.  Good times!