Into the Depths...

We had a fun trip to Silver Dollar City this weekend! We finally made it down into Marvel Cave below the park (where all the tourism business began for SDC). 500 feet down through a cavern large enough to hold a 20 story building, called 'the cathedral.' They actually inflated 3 hot air balloons inside this space years ago and still had lots of space. Then an hour wandering through passageways and caverns. Not all of the kids were overjoyed at this trek, but it was amazing to see. You might be able to tell by some of the faces in the pictures which kids were feeling a little 'batty' by the end of the adventure.
It all came out okay in the end though, since Hannah got to meet Curious George in the park (and Daddy got to eat some great barbeque!).

Green Acres is the Place to Be!

The Springfield Park Board just opened this great new park called the Rutledge-Wilson Community Farm. It is actually on old farm they bought and renovated for kids to come experience the farm life. A great concept complete with cows, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, ponies, cats and the works. They even have a fish pond where you can rent a cane pole and try your luck with fishing. They playground is farm themed - and very entertaining.

Blueberry Pickin' Time

While Nathan and Amber were away at summer school classes we slipped off to Ava for some free blueberry picking. Well, not exactly free, but you got to keep half of however much you picked, and we made off with 2 gallons of berries. We took along our niece Molly and nephew Kyle (Meg's kids) and they had loads of fun, or is that 'mouthfulls of fun'? Kyle had the hang of the eating part right away - even without the picking part.

Pride Goeth Before the...

They have this great little park in the middle of town these days called Jordan Valley Park. It has places for the kids to play in the fountains, listen to music, go ice skating, and climb on rocks. The tricky part is that once you are all wet, you really shouldn't climb on the biggest rocks. The last picture is Nathan, returning to the scene after getting his new cast on - yup, you guessed it!

Grandma had a Birthday!

We have discovered a new tradition! There is a great little Mexican restaurant in town that really takes care of you on your birthday. Leslie enjoyed her fried ice cream more than you would believe!