CamPort - 2009-August

CamPort > 2009 > 2009-August

Eureka Springs, AR 2009
2009-08-28 (Friday) 9:15 CDT

I couldn't pick just one picture to describe our ozark experience. Click here to view my favorite highlights from Branson and Eureka. We had much needed relaxing trip. The purpose of this vacation was to do a lot of nothing and reconnect as a family. We didn't want to stress about traveling too far, but wanted a nice view, and Eureka Springs offered that to us.
Cameron, Porter, and I initially met Grandpa and Grandma B in Branson for our yearly trip to Silver Dollar City. The boys always enjoy SDC, and it always takes me back to my childhood. After two days in a very popular vacation hotspot, it was nice to drive the scenic, curvy highways into Arkansas. Matt had been enjoying a motorcycle expedition with two fellow coworkers while we were in Branson, and met up with the boys and I at the Cosmic Caverns, which is right in between Branson and Eureka. It was a really cool cave. This was the second cave tour on this trip, since we had explored Marvel Cave at SDC.
Following our tour, we headed to our rental lakehouse on Beaver Lake. We were very impressed with the amenities and comfort this home offered. The boys loved sharing a room with twin beds, and Matt and I chose a room upstairs. The home had a nice screened in porch to relax and take in the gorgeous view of the lake. There was also a hottub for relaxing in the evening. One day we ventured to Starkey's Marina and rented a fishing boat to putt around the lake and found a private cove and enjoyed a dip in the lake. We felt like we had the lake to ourselves that morning. We did a little shopping in town, but like I said earlier, we did a lot of just relaxing and enjoying each other's company without the obligations of homelife.

Cameron's First Day of Kindergarten
2009-08-23 (Sunday) 22:31 CDT

Cameron had his first day of Kindergarten on August 19, 2009. It is hard to believe five years ago I was rocking this boy to sleep. I thought I would cry, but surprisingly, I didn't. I ended up crying that evening when putting him to bed reading "Puff the Magic Dragon". I am so proud of him. He couldn't wait to get started at school. Each day he has told me he hasn't learned how to read yet. I tell him to be patient, he will. He is definetly ready to be challenged. He has had three days of school and each day has come home with star, so this year is off to a great start.

After dropping Cameron off at school on his first day, Porter wanted to splash around in the rain puddles. I look forward to the mornings where Porter and I can bond again. Here are a couple of photos of Porter in his favorite rubber boots.

Kansas City's Discovery Center
2009-08-07 (Friday) 08:03 CDT

Early in August, we discovered the Discovery Center with our friends Tanya, Caleb, and Asher. This urban campus holds a beautiful pond surrounded by wild flowers and vegetation with pathways to untangle. The boys enjoyed viewing flowers and insects through a magnifying glass. Inside there are preserved wild animals to view and other interesting aritifacts. We had a nice day at the center and learned the center offers free classes on Saturdays for most ages. Thanks to Tanya for helping us discover this center, we will be back to visit again soon.

Last modified: 2010-01-03 (Sunday) 22:40 CST