Cooling Off in Mountain View

Last summer's unusually cool temps were definitely a fluke. It's hot in Arkansas again! The weekend before last we were trying to think of something fun to do that would not induce a heat stroke. We decided to go to Blanchard Springs. I have not been since I was a teenager when Lisa and Ray took our "youth group". My kids have never been, and Jeff went once when he was about Nathan's age.

First, we toured the cavern which is a comfortable 58 degrees year-round. If it weren't for the bats and creepy-crawly things, I think I could live in a cave: cool, dark, and quiet. I forgot my camera, so the only pictures I have were taken with my phone.

Nathan was impressed with the size and the formations in the cavern. We were all unimpressed with our tour guide and overheard at the end of our journey that it was his first time to lead a group.

After the cave tour, we met up with the Fowlkes at Sylamore Creek for a swim in the cool, clear water. The kids had a great time. Again, no camera, so Jennifer forwarded me this pic.

We spent the night with the Fowlkes and had lunch on the MV Square before we headed home. Here's another pic Jennifer sent me of the kids:

Getting Our Money's Worth Out of a Season Pass

We decided to forgo the Season Passes to Magic Springs this year and instead got passes to Wild River Country. Since it's only 10 minutes from the house, we've used them a lot already! Jeff took Abby and the kids last week, and this week we met up with some of the Krebs family.

Nate and Ashley

Ashley, Abby, and Abby's friend who "just happened" to be going the same day

Missy and Lydia trying out their waterproof camera

Morgan, Nate, and Ash

Ashley and Lydia were inseparable! They walked around hand-in-hand most of the day.

I swear that I didn't tell them to pose like this. Lydia said, "Lets put our hands on our hips!" It's cute now, but I can only imagine what they will be like in 10 or 12 years...oh my!

24-Hour Camp Out

As I mentioned in a previous post, Jeff, Nathan, and Wayne (not previously mentioned) went to Devil's Den a couple of week's ago for a 1-night camp out.

They swam, fished, and hiked, but I think that they all enjoyed watching the snakes around the lake more than anything.

Splish! Splash!

I bought a waterproof camera to take on our trip to Disney World last fall, so this is the first swimming season that we've had it. I thought I would post some semi-random shots that we've been taking with it:

Swimming at Nathan's friend Carter's house:

Lucy and Nathan's or Ashley's index finger:

Both kids and two workers at Wild River Country:

Nate splashin' and chillin' at Devil's Den:

Table for One

Not to brag or anything, but I have been enjoying the last 24 hours completely by myself! No kids, no husband. Don't get me wrong. I will miss them eventually, but having a night and a day where I don't have to pick-up after anyone or pour them a glass of milk is blissful! I've been sick this week, so some down time is just what I needed. I'm currently enjoying a little Mongolian stir-fry at Genghis Grill. Jeff took Nate camping at Devil's Den, and Ashley spent the night at Aunt Karen's. The only downside is that I am on call and about to head back into work. Oh well! It was nice while it lasted!