This year Halloween was so much fun! Ethan and Ava are at that age where everything we do is such an unforgettable adventure. Ethan chose to be a Knight this year. I think he was most excited about his sword. Ava didn't really request a certain costume, but when I saw her little devil number, I know there would be no better match for my cute little devil.
We're always talking about our need to have a family portrait made. For some reason or another it never happens. While everyone was at our house last weekend, we got a wild hair and just decided to make it happen. After what seemed like hours of wardrobe and hair for the entire family we ventured over to Turner's house armed with a camera, remote, tripod and candy to bribe the kids. I think the results turned out pretty good considering it was a total do-it-yourself adventure.
Nana, Poppy, Ella, Lilly and Robert came up for a visit to the big city of Clarksville. Of course, you can't come to Johnson County when the fair is in town and not go!
Ava, ever the sensitive smeller, says, "What's that smells?"
Wow! I can't believe this Summer has come to an end! Ethan's teacher this year is Mrs. Leeds. One of his best buds, Phillip Taylor, is in his class this year so he was ready to get back to school and see all of his friends.
Sand, sun and water! Our little vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico was filled with fun times and a lot of relaxation. Can't wait to go back!
Here comes trouble...
And of course, you can't take Krista anywhere without a yoga pose...
Chris's version of the crow...
And the aftermath…LOL!
I find it extremely hard to believe that I have lived in Clarksville for 9 years now and am just starting to see the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. We recently purchased a UTV so now we can go everywhere! It amazes me every time we go for a ride how much there is to do and see here. One thing Chris and I have always talked about is having a weekend at his cabin. Chris and his family would go to the cabin almost every weekend when he was young. I can't believe we had never done this, but with work and kids and everything else there just never seemed like a good time! We decided it was past due and mom, dad and Robert were in for weekend of riding!
We stayed an entire weekend and rode everyday. We logged over 20 miles each day through the mountains and creeks. Mom and I packed sandwiches and snacks and we stayed out all day. We took an after lunch dip in the Mulberry River then headed down to the old swinging bridge in Oark. It hadn't rained in forever so finding a place to swim was next to impossible. All of the creeks were dried up. Michael joined us on Sunday and started off the day with a delicious breakfast/lunch at the Catalpa Cafe. Dad had his eye on a piece of homemade blackberry pie all during lunch. We were about to order our desert when a lady came in and ordered the rest of the much coveted pie. He was heartbroken! We will have to take Dad back to get him that pie one day! After the pie debacle we headed out on another ride. The day's adventure took us to a trail off of Porter Road across Highway 21 from the cabin. The road was steep all the way down the mountain, but the treasure that awaited us at the bottom was worth every moment! At the bottom is an entirely restored cabin from the 1800's. It is something that isn't advertised to protect it from vandals so you just have to know where it is. That's where my Johnson County boys come in handy! The cabin is completely furnished with period pieces and is a true treasure. The land around is surrounded with hand stacked rock walls and gorgeous, huge old oak trees. It looks like something that should be in a museum and is absolutely amazing that it still stands untouched in its original location.
Cooking breakfast at the cabin.
Ready to roll!!!
Robert caught a water mocasin in a creek. It's a little odd but I grew up with him and my papaw doing this. He's never been bit but...ewww!
Bud Pearson's cabin
Bear track!!!
Nana and Poppy went to Destin. Once they got there they realized they wanted ETHAN! So Ethan and I hopped a plane the next day and Nana and Poppy picked us up at the airport! We played on the beach all day every day. Ethan collected so many seashells. He was so excited every time we found even the tiniest one. We even found 2 perfect sand dollars!
We visited our favorite little spot in Destin, Bay Town Wharf. We had a great dinner at Poppy's (yes, Poppy's!) restaurant, then walked out on the pier and fed the fish. Bay Town has the cutest area for kids with lots of fun games and activities. Ethan even jumped on the bungee trampoline.
The next day Poppy and I went parasailing. Nana and Ethan rode out on the boat with us. It was so beautiful and peaceful...until we splashed down in the ocean! It was something I'll never forget.
We picked up 2 new family members in Destin, Jack Sparrow and Clark Kent, 2 hermit crabs. We carried them all the way back to Clarksville where they now reside in Ethan's room. (update: Jack Sparrow and Clark Kent are no longer with us. Evidently the lifespan of a Florida gift shop hermit crab is not that long. May they rest in crabby peace.)
