Mahoney State Park take 3

Late in the evening we headed out for a walk up the 70 foot observation tower. Mason climbed up the whole way while I carried Ellery in her sling. I tell you the best baby gift ever was my New Native baby sling. The tower was a bit freaky. Nebraska wind is fierce and the tower swayed ever so slightly with the wind. It was beautiful being above the treetops and looking out. We were able to watch a train go by from high above and see a deer walk through the parking lot and park area. Mason and Ellery loved running around the top and afterwards we took a short hike in the woods. We thought we could get down to the water, but the trail stopped at a cliff above the water.

Mahoney State Park Take 2

Following the horse ride we hit the aquatic center. It was packed full of people and fun. We stayed for 4 hours and enjoyed every minute of it. Ellery was her usual self and slow to warm up to the idea of water and playing in it. Once she warmed up to the idea, she wouldn't let you hold her hand and loved wading through chest deep. She took a few spills and went under and we would scoop her up and she just kept going like nothing happened. She also tried following Mason around which wasn't easy. Mason was here there and everywhere. He started on a teeny tiny slide and then worked his way up to going down the tube slides seen in the picture. He climbed the stairs himself and slid down the slide feet or head first depending upon his mood. He had no issues going under the water, picking himself up and heading out for more. Rob took them into the wave pool, but I wasn't a fan. I think it brought back memories of me feeling like I was about to drown when I went to Fantasy one year with my brother. I like sitting on the edge, and playing in the wakes but that is about it for me.

Mahoney State Park Take 1

I consider going to a state park that is within 30 minutes of the house a staycation. I had heard multiple stories on how much fun Mahoney State Park was so I decided to plan a staycation for us. We loaded up the kids yesterday and packed everything but the kitchen sink and headed out. We stayed over night in a two bedroom cabin, my idea of camping. Rumor has it if you want to get a prime cabin for next year at this time you better do some booking now. I called to book our reservations 5 months ago and the pickings were slim and only one consecutive night stays available, which worked out best us. We had a wonderful time, but kept ourselves busy with all sorts of activities and wore everyone out. We didn't get to experience everything the park had to offer, but here are a few of the highlights.
Mason rode a pony for the first time. In the past he would always walk up to the ponies and pet the ponies but wouldn't sit on the pony for any length of period. Yesterday he rode the pony, but we are still confused if he actually enjoyed it. Thank goodness Chester was a gentle soul, I am sure he has had many riders like Mason he wished he could have bucked off. If ponies could talk, I am sure Chester would give us an earful.



Ellery was not feeling any love towards the ponies. When we walked up she immediately turned away and cuddled into me. We did walk up to the ponies and she stood next to them with a death grip on me. She did warm up to petting the horse, Rusty, but only on her terms.

Park Fun

We had a gorgeous St. Patrick's Day and celebrated in the park. Ellery was thrilled to swing and go down the slide and Mason was a wonderful big brother and held onto her while they went down the slide.