A little time with Evan...

I can't believe that we had this cute little boy with us and didn't take a single picture...could be because he kept us pretty busy...  We picked up Evan on Friday morning - Melissa was in Chicago and we thought Kerry might like to get a little work done.  He is such a sweetie!  He was a little excited about his visit, so a nap did not happen (but that's OK, more time together).  We had the boat in the shop getting a "once over" by a mechanic last week, so we picked up the boat and with Evan's help, launched the boat again.  We just drove around the Marina because the weather was not cooperating (again).  However, it didn't matter to Evan, he was having a great time watching the ducks and boats.  We went to the Marina Cafe and had french fries and a great time. 

We had "noodles" for dinner since that is what Evan always wants for lunch, dinner, breakfast, whatever.  Well, that and ice cream.  We went to Andy's and got ice cream cones before bedtime.  Pop pulled over to the side parking lot and we got out of the truck and sat on the tailgate eating our cones...Evan couldn't figure out why we weren't eating in the truck (this is while ice cream is running down his arm and dripping off his elbows).

We had lots of fun - boating, throwing rocks in the lake, playing with toys, pillow fights, cooking, painting (Evan helped Phillip paint a bookshelf), and exploring.

Sunday : Partly Cloudy

The weather was much better on Sunday, so it didn't spoil our plans...first stop was IHOP!  Then off to Pea Ridge Battlefield National Park.  There is a road around the park and it is mostly used by bikers.  The scenery is beautiful and we enjoy making the stops to discuss the history...

This old Tavern was used by travelers during the Civil War.  I didn't get a picture of the entire building....Jayden was the "leader" and he didn't give me time...

After bike riding, we headed to the lake.  Pop gave Jayden his first driving lesson on the party barge and he is a natural!

The day flew by and before we knew it we were late (Jayden had baseball practice).  Time flies when you're having fun....

Saturday : Rainy

We had great plans for a day on the lake for Saturday, but the weather did not cooperate.  Friday, it was beautiful and it got up to 83 degrees.  We got the boat launched and settled in her new home.  Saturday morning a cold front came through and it was cold and rainy.  We still got to have our picnic, we just stayed tied up to the dock. There will be lots of sunny weekends to come (I hope).  So that the day would not be a total bust, we headed to War Eagle to tour the cave.  We have made this tour before, but it was interesting the second time, too.  Jesse James hid out in this cave, and moonshiners used it for years.  All of the state parks have closed their caves because of a fungus that is killing the bats.  However, this is a private cave, so it is still open. 

The boys listened so intently to the guide.  She is pointing out fossils on this rock:

It is a beautiful walk to the cave entrance.  The lake comes right up to the area, so you can come by boat...if the weather cooperates :)

This is the main entrance of the cave.  It isn't the natural entrance, but was added to make it easier to access.

A little exploring:

After the cave tour, Jayden was ready to get rid of his family since it is his turn to spend the night with us.  We went out to eat pizza at Boston's and went to see "How to Train your Dragon" (Jayden's second time, but he says it is his favorite movie).

THE BOAT!

We finally have a slip at the marina and we bought a boat on Friday.  Its used, but I think that is the best kind...we don't have to worry about that first ding, that first spill, etc....it has already been done.  It is really in great shape.  I talked to Melissa on Saturday morning and said "Guess what your Dad is doing today?"  Her reply "Cleaning the party-barge with a toothbrush!"  I then talked to Miranda and asked her the same questions.  Her reply "Probably taking the entire thing apart and cleaning it."  They know their Dad so well....

Phillip has totally taken the boat apart!  Those are the seats that you see on the ground... this boat will be clean when Phillip is done!

We packed a picnic and took the boat out on Friday when we picked it up...just a trial run...I think I'm going to like hanging out on a boat...

Picture taking time...

Melissa wanted a family picture and I was happy to help, but it was harder than I though.... I was taking pictures with my good camera which takes shots incredibly fast.  Surely if I take a bunch of pictures I'll get a good one, right?  It was so funny looking at these pictures!  I took dozens of pictures, not included here, but you get the idea...

Easter

The weather was perfect, the only things missing were Miranda, James Alan, and Uncle Mike.  :(  However, with the Pitts Boys around, every event is exciting and Easter was no exception.  Kerry did all of the cooking (with a little assistance from Melissa and Evan.) He fired up Breaux's to Go and we had fried shrimp and catfish!  (It comes in handy to have a portable restaurant in your driveway.)  I put money in plastic eggs (money is always a hit) and hid them for the boys to find while Kerry and Melissa were busy getting dinner together.  $2 in each egg in various forms (dimes, quarters, dollars) and they could find 5 eggs each, so that everyone had the same amount of money in the end.  However, they didn't know that all of the eggs had the same amount in them, but they did figure that out since in the end (magically) everyone had $10!  Pictures of the day below:

Below you can see that Mim started tying Evan's shoe right as we said go!

The picture below was taken through Kyler's window.  I noticed that he wasn't around and

then saw that he had gone into his room to count his money...

Jayden had the same idea....

Iron Pig Duathlon

The Iron Pig Duathlon was Saturday, April 3 in Fayetteville.  Melissa, Kerry and I all finished the entire event (5K run, 18 mile bike, 5K run)!  I won't mention my total time :) but the first 5K was my personal best (32:21). Jayden and Kyler ran in the one mile run and Mim and Phillip were there to cheer us on and keep up with the Pitts boys while their parents were running/biking.  We all had a great time.   BEFORE:

THE FINISH LINE~

AFTER: