Thursday, August 13, 2009

Mini Vacation Highlights

A couple of weekends ago, I mentioned that we went to the mountains for a "mini" vacation. I thought I'd share a few pictures from that trip. I've been busy lately preparing and planning for our family's homeschooling year, as well as preparing for the school year for our local school group as a coordinator. Sandwiched between that, we've been working on planning my parents' upcoming 50th wedding anniversary reception on August 22nd. There's much to do and so little time. I thought summers were for taking it easy and relaxing and doing little!

Anyway, there will be little words and more pictures today. Since Joy is always the most willing subject, that's mostly who you'll see! I hope you enjoy them. During this little vacation to Mountain View/Blachard Springs, we visited the caverns, the creek, White River Hoedown Show, and The Ozark Folk Center. And no vacation is complete without alot of eating out, right?

Blanchard Springs Caverns (stalagtites and stalagmites everywhere....and bats...very educational):





The Springs: (It was misting raining the whole time we were there):







The Ozark Folk Center:

At the one room schoolhouse:



Blacksmithing:



Weaving:



We rode this swing that is powered by none other than a mule. Don't you know this was a very exciting thing in it's day? It really is a smooth, kind of swift ride!



Joy, the Prairie Girl....



Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a great day!

23 comments:

The Farmers Oldest Daughter said...

Great Pictures. This looks like so much fun. I have never been to any of these places but would like to go to the Ozark Folk Center.

Thanks for sharing.

Maxine

Carmen S. said...

That looks like a neat place to visit, love the swing:)

Susan said...

All looks fun!!! We've had a busy, busy summer too. Must be the times being so short.
Susan

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

Looks like you had a fun "mini Vacation". Eating out is always good! ♥

Zaroga said...

It looks like a good time was had! Love Joy's smile!

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Looks like a fun place to visit! Great pics!

You are keeping a busy schedule these days! Hope it all works out for the good.

Have a great weekend!

Mandy said...

Looks like fun! Joy would have made a great Prairie girl - that look fits her!

Parsley said...

That looks like a blast! How nice to create those family memories.

Denise said...

It looks like you had fun!

Love your little photography assistant!!

XXDenise

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Looks like a great vacation Tammy. Joy's smile is contagious!!! She is so cute!!

Happy Anniversary to your folks!!

hugs, Linda

Never So Simple said...

Love the picture of Joy she looks like a real prarie girl. I love all the pictures looks like you had a good time.

Donna

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

how cute you always look like you are having fun..and Joy is just a little cutie patootie and is learning so many things and seems like she enjoys learning them..:)

arkie said...

Looks like you all had a good time! My husband and I went to the Buffalo National Park,the folk center, and the caverns on a vacation many years back. We stayed in the little cabins at the folk center. I loved seeing all the crafts being made there and the music!

Cottage Rose said...

Hey Tammy; What beautiful photos, your Joy sure was having a great time. Looks like a wonderful place for a vacation,, thanks for sharing... Have a great Fri.

Hugs;
Alaura

WoolenSails said...

You sure packed a lot of fun in a mini vacation. Looks like a beautiful place to visit.

Debbie

momstheword said...

Wow, a mule? I guess, in it's day, it would have been rather exciting!

Yeah, we are gearing up for homeschooling too. I need to get a few things yet but still have a couple of weeks. Don't want to wait till the last minute though!

Mandie said...

We live in Arkansas and want to go there sooo bad some day. It is so beautiful on the west side of the state. The Folk Center looks so fun!

Madison said...

Looks like you guys had LOADS of fun!!!! I love doing things like that!!!!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful "mini" vacation Tammy! I've not been to any of those places, but sure would like to someday! Those caverns are really awesome aren't they? I've been in three, that comes to mind, one near St. Louis, Missouri, and one near Roanoke, Va. I also went through one when I was in Germany I was so awestruck seeing all the stalagtites and stalagamites, and the little water cascades and puddles on the inside of the caverns!!

Joy looks to have enjoyed herself a bunch while on the trip too!! :) That's great!! I always loved going on trips with our kids and watching their faces while they took in all the sites with amazement! Makes for wonderful memories, that's for sure!!
How neat that mule ran ride looks & sounds to be, and it goes just my speed ta boot! I bet it was alot of fun, no doubt! I've not been on one of those either...

Thanks so much for sharing your "Mini" vacation Tammy!! It looks to have been a wonderful time for everyone!!

Have a wonderful weekend, and take care now!

Love & Blessings,
~Lynn

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Oh Tammy, my oldest son's wife and kids were in Mountain View 4 weeks ago with her Mom and Dad. They go to Mountain View at least 4 or 5 times a year. They love it up there. I am going to have to make a trip up there soon.
They also went to Blanchard Springs Caverns.
Joy is cute as always..lol..
Molly

Amber said...

Hello, Miss Tammy,
I LOVE all the pictures! It looks like you guys had a fun day! :o)

Phyllis said...

What a fun vacation...so much better than the beach to me!

Paula said...

That looks like a wonderful place to visit, Tammy! The swing ride looks like fun to me, and the picture of Joy as a prairie girl was just too cute!