Memorial Day Weekend

We've had our RV in Russellville for the last few weeks being worked on, so we'd be ready to go on our trip to Navarre, FL. It was complete this week and we ran down to pick it up and enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend. It was nice to get back in the motorhome, but since it wasn't complete until Thursday, we never made reservations at any of the parks. This meant we camped at the (all-inclusive) resort known as "Camp Grandparents". Thank goodness they already have hookups for their RV.

We went down on Saturday and got there in time for Melanie to land some Taco Villa for lunch. We spent most of the remainder of the day recovering. On Sunday, we were a little more ambitious and headed up to Petit Jean Mountain for a little hiking. We left Mather Lodge and headed down the Cedar Falls Trail to take some pictures of Cedar Falls. It was a great hike down, but the hike back up left a little to be desired. When we finally reached the falls, we found out most of the folks we'd encountered on the trip down were less that truthful. There was NO McDonald's and we never found the snow cone hut, however, the falls were beautiful and well worth the trip. It was humid and a little warm and the trip back up was "strenuous", according to the sign, and that was the nice way to put it. We couldn't help but spread the love a little and let the folks on their descent know the McDonald's was open and the A/C was on - - just couldn't resist carrying on the mischief.

Unbelievably, I was able to talk Melanie into another trip later that afternoon. We headed North of Dover and turned East at Sand Gap. We headed into the mountains in search of Falling Waters Falls, Six-Finger Falls, and Fuzzy Butt Falls. We did locate the falls, but I didn't anticipate the number of people who would be up in the mountains enjoying the holiday. The falls and pools were covered with folks so we didn't get any pictures and decided to head back and try again another time. We were about 30 miles North of Dover, when I realized I'd never looked at my fuel gauge. The fuel light came on while we were still in the mountains and we were at least 45 minutes to the nearest gas station. Melanie was sooooo proud of me at that moment. I'd actually noticed it 10-15 minutes before I mentioned it to her trying to avoid the speech that would be forthcoming. We coasted into McB's Stoplight in Dover on fumes and were able to fill up and make it back to Russellville.

After visiting my Grandmother at the Yell County Nursing Center, in Ola, we headed home on Monday afternoon. The crew was a little disappointed Whatta-Burger was closed for the holiday, but we stopped at Cracker Barrel in Alma on the way home and everyone seemed content for the remainder of the trip.

AT & GT happy to be spending time together at Cedar Falls on Petit Jean Mtn.

Cedar Falls from the Overlook on Petit Jean Mtn.

Cedar Falls from the trail on Petit Jean Mtn.

Amber Waves of Grain . . . view from one of the wheat fields with Petit Jean Mtn. in the background.

Tanyard Creek Cascades - Bella Vista

We had a good weekend this weekend. On Saturday, we slept in (or at least I did), the kids were up and outside at 6:00 a.m. looking for the baby rabbit they caught on Friday night. As expected, he'd made his escape during the night. Saturday afternoon, we went to a cookout for some of the teachers Melanie works with and enjoyed the evening outdoors.

On Sunday afternoon, after church, we ran up to Bella Vista to see the falls at Tanyard Creek. The trail was beautiful and was completely packed with folks enjoying the weather. We hiked to the falls and tried to get some pics, but the crowd was a little too thick. We eased down the creek a little to the cascades and noticed there were some kids "butt-surfing" down the rapids. GT and AT didn't take their bathing suits and you could tell the temptation was killing them. The water was chilly, but after getting the green light from Mom and Dad to get their clothes wet, GT decided to brave the rapids, first. Sister couldn't stand it and wasn't too far behind. They each made a couple of runs down the whitewater, but I think their rears were bumped and bruised a little so we called it a day and hiked back to the car. They had to have a couple of HappyMeals to make it home. It was a hoot.

Tanyard Creek Cascades - Just below the Falls in Bella Vista.

GT taking his first "butt-surfing" run down the rapids.

GT going over the first falls of the rapids - - I'm not sure how much he saw with his eyes closed.

Tandem on Tanyard - GT & AT shoot the Rapids!

AT braving the Whitewater on her Own!

Hurts so Good! Can't tell if it's a grimace or a smile.

Boxley Valley and Amber Falls

GT and I had an adventurous afternoon. We ran over to Boxley Valley during the rain and did a little hiking. The girls decided they would stay home and chill out and watch some movies. I'm not sure, but I think they may have enjoyed their time without the boys.

The weather was a little rough and we were totally soaked most of the day. Thankfully, we were smart enough to take along some dry clothes to change into for the trip home. We saw turkey, elk, deer, some wood ducks. We also stopped by Hedge's PourOff, but didn't get any pics because it was raining a little to hard to get near the bluff. Next we ran over to Amber Falls and were able to get some pics of several waterfalls in the area. We were shooting for Compton's Falls as well, but with all the trees down from last year's ice storm and the fact we were soaked, we decided to stay in the Amber Falls area. It was beautiful. After GT spent a couple of days at ONSC (Ozark Natural Science Center), he was our trail guide. He was giving directions and telling me the types of leaves and trees as we passed them. It was very informative.

We were worn out by the time we made it back home. Ended a perfect trip when Mel had a great dinner ready for us which included a homemade pecan pie. Mmm Mmm good!

The little rock building next to the stream in Boxley Valley across from the Mill Pond.

A unique cedar tree on the bluff near Hedge's PourOff.

A small waterfall on the way to Amber Falls, just south of Boxley Valley.

GT at another small waterfall on the way to Amber Falls, just south of Boxley Valley.

Another small waterfall on the way to Amber Falls, just south of Boxley Valley.

Amber Falls, just south of Boxley Valley.

GT and BT enjoying an afternoon hike and taking a little break at Amber Falls.

GT didn't know I was going to plant one on him when I snapped the pic. I'm threatening to post it on his Facebook page.

Down on the Farm

We ran to the farm on Sunday morning and stopped by Bob & Debbie's and gave the kids a chance for a little horseback riding. Ainsley had really been wanting to ride and after a couple of laps around the pasture, we couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

We tried to put both kids on at the same time, but the horse had a different plan and decided to discard it's passengers. Both kids hit the ground (nobody was hurt) and we all had a pretty good laugh. Thankfully Garrett and Ainsley jumped right back on, one at a time, and had an enjoyable ride.

GT was a little tentative after being thrown off a few minutes earlier.

AT was thrilled to be riding and thinks she wants to start stunt riding.

AT doing a little grooming.

Arkansas Wildflowers

On Sunday, we got a chance to get out and enjoy the farm a little and picked up a few shots of the some of the blooms in the area.

5th Grade Little Olympics

This morning, the school district hosted the Little Olympics for all the 5th grade students in the district, which included all 16 elementary schools. Garrett's group from Walker competed in the tennis ball throw and the tug-o-war. Walker finished 2nd in the tug-o-war and landed the silver medal. It was a little cold this morning, but the crowd was huge and we had a great time.

Walker Elementary's Tug-O-War Silver Medalists.

The heat of battle in the gold medal round.

The crowd cheers on the team.

Launching the tennis ball with great follow-through.

Up, up, and away.

Devil's Den State Park

We had a rough weather forecast this weekend, but it turned out to be a great weekend. On Sunday afternoon, we decided to run down to Devils Den State Park and hike the Devils Den Trail. The trail is about 1.5 miles long and was built in the '30's. We passed Devils Den, The Crevices, the Devil's Ice Box, and finished near Twin Falls. The falls actually has a foot bridge that crosses the midpoint of the waterfall. The trails were crowded and lot of folks out taking advantage of the beautiful weekend.

Two grumpy hikers near the end of the trail at Devil's Den State Park.

Taking a break while Dad chases another waterfall.

The upper portion of Twin Falls with the foot bridge at the trail crossing.

GT and AT at the Devils Ice Box on the Devil's Den Trail

Lower part of Twin Falls at Devils Den State Park

The Lower Falls at Twin Falls just below the foot bridge on the Devil's Den Trail.