Field Day

Yesterday was Fun & Field Day at Cadyn's school. Dusty and I volunteered all day and worked the spaghetti search game. It was a lot of fun and just an all out great day for the kids to unwind and play at the end of the school year. Here are a few pictures from the day...

Cadyn was peddling hard at the Kettle Car Race

This was like one of the rides at the fair that spins round and round. Well, Cadyn thought he wanted to ride it until it started going then he got scared and started crying


Wall Climbing

Cadyn goofing off at the end of the day!

Jump Zone

This is kinda blurry but it is Cadyn coming down the Batman slide

The pirate ship and giant squid

Camryn crawling through the Sesame Street inflatable

Cadyn was being such a sweet brother and helping Camryn through the big Batman

The whole birthday party crew

Cadyn's friend Ben had his birthday party this afternoon at the new Jump Zone. It was so cool there! It is a lot like Pump it Up but better! There are huge inflatable slides and ball pits but they are all themed like one of the slides was a huge pirate ship with a giant squid on top and another was a tonka dump truck and there was also Spongebob's Bikini Bottom town and Batman and Spiderman. Cadyn and Camryn had a blast! There was one inflatable that looked like a giant gumball machine and when you crawled inside there were balls that looked like the gumballs. Camryn spent a lot of time in this one. After the kids played for a while they took them back to a party room for cake and ice cream and the birthday boy Ben opened presents. It was a lot of fun and my kids were totally worn out by the time we left! We will definately have to check this place out for some summer fun!

Camping Adventures

Where do I begin??? First of all let me say that I do not have very many pictures from the weekend. It seemed like every time there was a photo opportunity I either didn't have my camara or I couldn't get to it fast enough. So, I will just ramble on and tell you about our weekend.

We headed out Friday after Cadyn got out of school. On our way we stopped at Wal-Mart to buy Dusty a bicycle so we could ride around the campground with Cadyn. When we got out there Cadyn wanted to immediately go for a ride. Well, when Dusty hopped on his bike and took off something wasn't right. He got off to find the front wheel was bent. We didn't even notice it when we bought it. So, we decided to go for a boat ride instead. We cruised around for a while and let the kids splash their feet in the water and then headed back to camp for dinner and bed.

Saturday morning we woke up to thunderstorms and pouring down rain. We hung out in the camper for a while but I could see we were going to strangle each other if we were couped up all morning so I suggested we just head back into town, take showers at home and exchange the bike on the way back out to the lake. So, that is what we did! Dusty and Cadyn headed back out around noon and Camryn ended up having a nap at home so we went out later in the afternoon. Dusty and Jeff took Cadyn and Lindsey out on the boat that afternoon and they had a blast swimming. Cadyn was so worn out that he actually fell asleep on the boat on the way back in.

Sunday was yet another adventure! We made a big breakfast that morning and then just kind of hung out and went to the play park with Camryn and dusty and Cadyn fed the fish at the marina and rode bikes. We decided to give Camryn a nap and then we would go out on the boat. Our neighbors, the Beards, called and they were out on their pontoon and wanted to meet up with us. So, we headed out to find them and not 5 minutes after getting to them we turned around and saw the black clouds. It looked like a pretty big storm brewing and headed our way so we decided after only 25 minutes on the lake that we better get back to shore. We got back just in time for the lightning and rain to start. That's not all though. Dusty discovered that the boat was taking on water while we were out so thank goodness we got it out when we did. Apparently there was some kind of plug busted off so after the rain and lots of help they got it all fixed. We had a big shrimp boil that evening at Jeff and Michelle's camp and decided after dinner that we would all go for a boat ride since we were rushed back by the rain. Well, we were just enjoying the evening talking, listening to the radio, watching the sun go down and laughing at the kids because they decided to go swimming in their clothes in the freezing water and then our bad luck kicked in again! It was getting dark and cool and time to head back to camp but when Dusty went to start the boat well it wouldn't start! Jeff messed around with it and we just knew he would get it fixed because well you know Jeff knows how to fix everything! Well, at least that's what Cadyn and Lindsey think!! No such luck. Just as we were talking about who we could call to come and tow us a boat came around the corner and headed our way. As they got closer Dusty and Jeff recognized the driver. Yeah, it was someone they knew. Well, this just goes to show the Lord works in mysterious ways the people on the other boat were fixing to go night fishing and actually were going to go the other way but he said that something told him that he should head in the direction we were in and that is when they saw us broke down and decided to come and help. Thank goodness! We made it back to camp but the boat is still broke!

Early Monday morning more thunderstorms rolled in so we turned the tv on when we woke up and saw that there was a chance for rain later that afternoon and all day Tuesday so we decided right then and there that we were packing up and going home!

Even through all the rain and boat problems we had a really good time. I mean, what fun would it be if we didn't have such crazy things happen. Here are a couple pictures of the kids from the weekend!

Camryn really thought he was big enough to ride the scooter!

This was just hilarious to see little bitty Kaylin pushing Camryn on the 4-wheeler and they both have to have those nigh nights in their mouths!

"BugZ"

What a busy day it has been! Cadyn had his last kindergarten play today. It was called Bugz and as you can see in the picture they all had on little hats with different kinds of bugs on them. Cadyn is the ant right in the middle. It was so cute and Cadyn did such a good job saying his lines. I was so nervous for him right before it was his turn but he was such a big boy and never hesitated! Brandy, the boys, Paw and Mimi all came to watch the performance. Cadyn was so excited they all came. It meant so much to him! Since Dusty could not be there I asked Paw to come to Cadyn's class after the performance and have a "picnic lunch" in the classroom. It was a little crowded with all the parents and kids but it was a lot of fun. We got to feast on hot dogs, chips and ice cream with tons of toppings.

Cadyn and Paw enjoying their picnic lunch

We had to get one last picture together of Cadyn, Me, Lindsey and Michelle before they are off to first grade! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. It seems just like yesterday we walked them in for their first day of kindergarten!

After school we went to Cadyn's friend Brooks' birthday party. The kids had a blast swimming. Camryn was too little last year to enjoy the pool but from the way he splashed around today I think he is going to be a little fish in the water.

And finally we ended up at the fire station to see Daddy! Dusty has been out of town all week in a class so the last time we saw him was Sunday night. Well, we were all missing him a lot! Cadyn was almost in tears last night saying he just wanted his daddy to come home! The boys attacked him with hugs when we got there. It was just precious! It will be nice to have him back home tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are loading up the camper and we are off to the lake not to return till Tuesday! This will be an adventure for us since this will be the first time to take Camryn out in the camper. We should have a lot of fun! The boat should get broke in pretty good this weekend! Hope you all have a fun and safe Memorial Day too!

No More Golfing In The Front Yard!!

Well, we had a little accident happen last night. Lindsey came over to play yesterday evening since it was so nice outside and her and Cadyn don't get to see each other much these days other than the playground at school. She had been here about 45 minutes and the two of them decided to play some golf in the front yard. I didn't think much of it because Cadyn and Dusty have been hitting golf balls a lot lately so I just thought that would be fun for them. Well, in slow motion right before my eyes, Cadyn swung his club and Lindsey was too close and it smacked her right in the eye. Blood immediately was everywhere and before I knew it Lindsey, Cadyn and Camryn were on top of me crying. Cadyn was devasted that he had hit her , Lindsey was in pain and scared to death because of all the blood and Camryn was just crying because it seemed like the thing to do at that moment since everyone else was. Jeff and Michelle rushed over and decided to go ahead and take her to the ER. It looked like it needed a couple of stitches. After 4hours, xrays, a CAT scan and no stitches they got to come home. Luckily it just cut her and blacked her eye. Cadyn has been so upset about it and apoligized all evening for hitting her. Some times accidents happen and we are just lucky it didn't hurt her worse! We are so sorry Lindsey and we hope you feel better!

Soccer Pictures

I just got these today and thought I would share them with everyone. Cadyn's team was the yellowjackets. He loved playing this spring and can't wait to play again in the fall!

Team Yellow Jackets

Tagged by an Angel

My Angel that tagged me is my dear friend Jodie. We met in 7th grade playing basketball and remained friends till we graduated. Like a lot of people we went our seperate ways after high school and lost touch. Jodie moved away to go to College and I stayed in Arkansas. Jodie moved back a couple of years ago but when our friend April moved back last year we all reconnected. We are all married now and have kids and we try to get together and hang out when we can. It is so much fun watching our kids play together as we talk about old times! I love that I have them both back in my life now. It definately proves that my friends are forever friends!


How To Play This Game of Tag: Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!


3 Joys
1. Worshiping the Lord
2. My Family
3. Having a job that allows me to be there for my kids all the time

3 Fears
1. A family member or friend passing away
2. My kids getting hurt
3. Failing

3 Goals
1. Be a better wife and tell my husband more how much I love him
2. Be a more faithful christian
3. Heaven

3 Current obsessions/Collections
1. Watching Dancing With The Stars ( I LOVE that show)
2. Happy Hour at Sonic (I love Dr Pepper)
3. Chocolate (I am with you on this one Jodie)

3 Random surprising facts
1. I must have lipstick on at all times (not surprising huh!)
2. I am very anal about being organized
3. I must put on makeup and fix my hair everyday!

5 People I Tag
1. Michelle
2. Brandy
3. Amy Anderson
4. Anyone else that reads this and would like to fill it out
5. ?

Towing My Dad

Okay, so I walked outside the other night just in time to see Cadyn on the 4-wheeler with a chain hooked to the lawnmower pulling Dusty. Apparently when Dusty went out to mow the lawnmower had a flat tire so he just hooked it up and had Cadyn drag him to the shop. I was cracking up! I ran inside and grabbed my camara to capture the moment. Cadyn was just taking care of his Dad!

Our Little Graduate

Cadyn Lee Meredith

Kindergarten

Central Park Elementary

2007-2008

This is Cadyn's Kindergarten Graduation picture. Isn't it just precious!! I can't believe our baby is about to move on to 1st grade! He has had a fantastic first year of school and Mrs. Stalls has been the absolute best teacher. Cadyn has already asked me if 1st graders can go back and visit their kindergarten teachers. He loves her so much and I am sure she will see him at her door a lot next year! Our little boy is growing up so fast! We are so proud of him!

Happy Mother's Day

We went to Garfield this morning and went to church with my mom and dad and then we went to their house and cooked hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. Shane, Brandy and the kids and Roger and Terry came out and joined us all for lunch. It is so special that our families are so close that we can get together on special days like today and celebrate. We took the opportunity and took some pictures with our mommies!

Brandy, Terry and Dusty

Me, Mom, Shane and Spencer

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommies I know and I hope you all had a special day too!

A Birthday Party & A Tornado!

Whew, what a day! Our nephews Collier and Collin turned 8 last week and their birthday party was today. We sang happy birthday to Collier first (since he was the first one to be born) and then we sang to Collin second (obviously since he was born second almost 5 hours later)! I think they racked up pretty good on clothes and money! We all had a really good time!

Collier blowing out his candles

Collin blowing out his candles

The boys got a new basketball goal for their birthdays since the backboard on the one they had got busted. The real question here though like Brandy stated on her blog is how many Blackburn's and Meredith's does it really take to put this thing together??? Team work I guess you would call it!

We were all inside watching videos of the boys' basketball game from their Little Rock tournament and missed this funnel cloud that past just northeast of Shane and Brandy's house. We had been watching the weather before we started the video and thought that the storm had passed us but I guess we should have been watching it a little better. This picture was taken by Shane and Brandy's next door neighbor from their back porch!

We heard that there was damage to the north of us around Cadyn's school so Me, Camryn, Shane, Brandy and the boys loaded up and went for a little ride. The pictures below confirm that the tornado above really did touch down.

This is Central Park Elementary where Cadyn goes to school. There are windows blown out on the second floor and it looked like there was some roof damage.

This is Pine Crest daycare right in front of Central Park. It looks like something literally crashed through the roof and on the other side there was part of the roof missing and some of their playground equipment was turned over and the fence was twisted.

This is the fence into St.Valery Downs directly across the highway from Central Park and Pine Crest. It looked like there was a house in St. Valery that a dormer window was damaged but that was about it.

It's A Boy!!

My dear friend April gave birth to her 3rd baby boy yesterday. His name is Noah Dean Regan and he weighed in at 7lbs 2oz. I stopped by the hospital yesterday and got to see him get his first sponge bath. He wasn't real happy about the experience! He has a lot of hair, which has a red tint to it, and it just precious! I went back today and got to hold him for a little bit. Our kids grow up so fast that you forget what it is like to have a little baby!




Here he is on his first night home with his proud big brothers James (2 1/2) and Luke (3 1/2)

Congratulations April and David!

Soccer, Slidin' and Drivin' the Golf Cart

Saturday was Cadyn's last soccer game. It was pretty cold and windy but the kids got out there and had a lot of fun! The highlight of it all was that after the game was over they got to go get medals to show for all their hard playin'. Cadyn had a really good time this season and wants to play again in the fall. I didn't have my camara to get a picture of the whole team but here is Cadyn after we got home showing off his cool medal!


Saturday night Jeff and Michelle invited us over for dinner. After we finished eating we made our way outside. Camryn loves to go down slides and I have to say their slide will definately take you for a ride. It is pretty steep and slick and he was hooked after he went down the first time. When Cadyn and Lindsey saw how much fun Camryn was having they had to join in too. It was so much fun watching them and they were being so goofy and cracking us up!

The whole crew

Cadyn and Lindsey were sliding double and going down head first

Camryn got brave and started going down head first too! I had to hold on to him because he would go so fast I was afraid he would hurt himself plowing into the ground.

Cadyn spent the afternoon today driving around the yard on Mimi's golf cart. BY HIMSELF!! YIKES!! I am telling you that kid will be driving a truck by himself by the time he's 10!

2008 NWACC Paramedic Graduation

Dusty and I went to the NWACC Paramedic Graduation last night. There were 9 graduating this spring and one of Dusty's good friends Jeremy Criner who is on Rogers Fire Department was not only celebrating the graduation but he also got class valedictorian! What and honor! This years class spent the past year devoting most of their time to the paramedic program which means lots of studying and lots of time away from their families. When Dusty was in the program it was a 2 year program so I can only imagine what this class went through craming it all into 1 year. You could see the relief in their faces and their families faces that it was finally over and they can get back to some normalcy. The graduating class consisted of men and women from Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville and Eureka Springs Fire Departments. Quite a diverse group! I think it is safe to say that we have a few more excellent paramedics in the area to be there for us during emergencies. It takes a special person to have that career and deal with all the things they see and I admire all medical personal for that fact. We are so proud of them and their accomplishment! Congrats!!

Lunch Date

Cadyn asked me if I would come and have lunch with him one day this week so today was the day. I didn't tell him that I asked Michelle to come so her and Lindsey could have a special lunch with us so not only was he surprised but Lindsey was too because Michelle had not told her that she was coming. I picked up Burger King, at Cadyn's request, and we had our own little feast at our own special table.

Michelle and Lindsey

Cadyn & Mommy

Michelle had to leave and get back to work so I said I would stay with them till they were dismissed from lunch. Well, the little rascals conned me into staying and playing with them at recess. Cadyn has started bringing his basketball to school everyday so they can play a little recess time pick up game so I pretty much watched all the kids fight over who was going to get the ball next and shoot. It was fun!