Getting Some ACTION

We spent our Saturday in Cave City, Kentucky.  Once a year, the local attractions there host a Dollar Day event where everything is a dollar.  WOW!  Matt already had plans to play in a church golf scramble that day, but I wasn't about the let that stop me from taking my crew on one of the most BEAUTIFUL and CHEAP days of year.  I had originally planned to take them to Dinosaur World before I learned about Kentucky Action Park just right up the road.  Since the kids had never experienced an alpine slide before, I knew it was a MUST-DO on our list.  Dino World is right off the exit and the cars were backed up and parked almost right next to the interstate.  I was glad we were going to by-pass that crowd.  KY Action Park wasn't much different, but I did manage to find a parking space in the actual parking lot.  We had a wonderful time.  I purchased $20 worth of tickets which allowed us to do almost every activity there--which didn't end up happening but oh well.

We spent our first set of tickets riding up the chairlift to the alpine slide.  Miles was a little anxious about the ride and slide, but once we got up there, the parks worker told me I could hang onto his slide, and we could ride down together.  This put both of us at ease.  I really wasn't sure if he'd be able to manage it alone.  The sleds(?) aren't that tricky, but I was afraid he could come to a stop and get scared.  Thank goodness they allowed us to join together because we came to a complete stop about midways down.  I finally got us going again and WHOOSH we flew down.

 A little scared before the big trip down the hill.

The older kids loved it so much, they wanted to go again.  I managed to convince them to do something else.  Plus, we were all ready for a drink and bathroom break.

The bumper boats were next on the agenda.  We hooked up with our neighborhood and school friend Dylan at the boats.  He and Karson rode together, but Isaac wanted to ride solo which meant me and Miles were partners again.  We enjoyed crashing into everyone and getting soaked.  It felt pretty good at midday--the sun was hot on that pavement.

After the boats, the kids were ready to do the slide again, but I steered them in the direction of the go-carts.  After waiting in line for a couple of minutes and realizing NONE of them wanted to race cars, we went BACK to the chairlift again.  Miles had already decided he would ride up the lift but wanted to come back down and not do the slide again.  Karson and Isaac were ready for MORE action.  Miles and I rode up and back down and waited for them.  By the time they got back down (20 minutes later), I had promised Miles we would go golfing.  

 Miles is a good little golfer, and the course was really nice.  The crowd was unbearable though so we cheated and passed the first couple of holes so we could go ahead and play.  The kids didn't care, and I wasn't about to wait to behind LOADS of families keeping score who were not playing speed golf like we do.

We finished out the day at the course and decided it was about time to head back home.  We were down to only four tickets by this point, and everyone was tired and getting hungry.  Plus, I had to work that night.  We gave our tickets away and headed to Wendy's for dinner.  Oh what a beautiful Saturday we had!  I have to say that the workers at KY Action Park were some of the friendliest and kindest people I have met.  It's nice seeing people take pride in their work and actually being willing and helpful especially at the end of season.  We will definitely return to Cave City for dollar days in the future.

Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy Deatons

The Spikettes now have three games under their belts and are undefeated--woo hoo.  I absolutely love watching Karson play.  I see her improving more and more each game.  She feels she perfected her underhand serve last year and is serving overhanded this year.  

She has quite a cheering squad for each game, wouldn't you say!

GO KARSON!!!

We totally invited ourselves over to the DeVries's house last Sunday afternoon.  The boys had been dying to go on their zipline again.  Our cousin Evan was over at the house that day so he was able to join in on the fun.  Miles the brave just whizzes past like it's nothing.

Zipline Adventure Videos =)

The NeighborHOOD Crew

Candy Wheel

 Plano had their Fall Festival on Friday night.  Nothing says FALL like a Fall Festival.  I've gotten smart over the last five years and decided to take a large cinch sack for all the kids loot.  It's to hard trying to wrangle wads of small toys, trinkets, candies, 2-liters in one small purse.  I almost need a shopping basket or cart for all our loot.  Fortunately, Isaac manages to store most of his goods in his pocket or by eating it quickly.  We powered through most of the classrooms and acquired LOTS of goodies.

Angry Nerf

 Trying their luck at corn hole.

Isaac cracked me up with this little red telescope he won.  He used it all night long for different purposes. In this picture, his toy skull is using it.

Throwing darts.

Isaac got his hair spray painted bright green, what a booger =).

Miles came home with his first school project last week--constructing an animal habitat.  We started with the basics--construction paper and small toys.  Through the weekend, however, we've managed to make it even more realistic adding sand, tissue paper and actual grass/sticks.  He's especially proud of the M's he drew in the sky representing birds.  Miles LOVES school! He comes home excited everyday and can't wait to do his homework.  I have to admit I was worried about his transition, but it has been smooth sailing. Whew.

I got tickets months ago for Matt and I to see Kelly Clarkson and the Fray at Bridgestone.  The concert was on Saturday night and was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!  I have loved Kelly since her beginning.  I didn't watch the first season of American Idol, but I cannot imagine anyone being as talented as her--WOW what a voice.  I can see why she won it all.

 Bridgestone is the happening place on a Saturday night.  Matt and I decided to leave early and just hang out downtown browsing through shops and people watching.  We made our way to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for dinner (pic above).  I had the coconut shrimp which was fantastic.  Matt didn't enjoy his that much and ended up getting it free (he's not a complainer but I convinced him to say something since the food wasn't cheap at all.).  After dinner, we made our way to the arena and played all kinds of fun games that 107.5 the River had set up.  

 We tried our best to win front row tickets or backstage passes by playing numerous games.  We tried shooting and then throwing marshmallows into each other's mouths.  We tried throwing paper airplanes or wads into a bucket.  We raced in other in shooting hoops.  No luck on the BIG prizes, but we did end up with two free appetizers to Zaxby's and four free movie tickets.  The bummer--the apps. are only good in Nashville and the theater tickets are good for week nights in certain locations--guess I'll be giving them to my new SKyPAC manager who makes a daily commute from Nashville.  It was a fun date night.  After all the action, we made our way into the arena.  I headed for the merchandise table to purchase a poster for Karson.  I'm going to start collecting music posters from the concerts we attend.  She likes having them on her walls, and it reminds me of our exciting date nights.  Matt headed to the concessions to grab a hot dog--he was starving since he didn't eat any of his meal at J.B.'s.

Ready for a great night of music!

 Carolina Liar opened up for the bands.  All I can say is BLAH!  I couldn't understand half of their songs and felt like they were more of a heavy-metal band than anything.  It was definitely not my style of music but to each their own.

The Fray went on after and did a fantastic job.  Their sound kind of reminds me of Coldplay.  

They have a lot of huge hits, and their set list was full of them.

The lead singer of The Fray raced off into the crowd during one of their numbers.  Matt and I got a kick out of watching the security guard try his best to keep up with him.  I felt bad for the guy, but the fans sure did enjoy it.

In between shows, this guy was on the main floor taking pictures with everyone.  I later learned that he was on the most recent season of American Idol.  His name is Colton Dixon.  Pretty cool.

FINALLY, KELLY!  The concert opened up with tons of different snap shots of her all over different screens, and then she came out singing "My Life Would Suck Without You".  She had so much energy  and excitement.  She sang all my favorites.  Her new single "Dark Side" is wonderful.  I recorded a clip of it.

She sang "Breakaway and Since You Been Gone" which she considers her most recognizable songs. 

I recorded this one for my dad.  He loves "Stronger".  She actually closed with this one.  Her concert Saturday night was the last one of her summer tour.  She was happy to be back home in Nashville. We made it home around midnight and were totally wiped out.  BUT, we had a great night!

Family Photo Session Limestone Lake in July

My sister arranged for us to have family pictures at Limestone Lake this year.  John and Cheryl Payne have been in our lives since Matt and I got engaged years ago.  They have captured some of our best moments from bridal portraits, engagement pictures, our wedding, Karson's first baby pictures and the list goes on.  I'm glad they were a part of this photo session with our entire family and appreciate them allowing me to post these photos on my blogspot.

Karson Ann Deaton, age 9

Miles Collin Deaton, age 5

Isaac Matthew Deaton, age 7

Family picture.

Uncle Mike, my grandparents and parents.

Three Tuesday Tots.

Paul and Shannon's beautiful family.

Our entire group.

Neglect in the Picture Taking World

I have (unintentionally) been on a picture taking fast since school started. Our lives have been going full throttle which is probably obvious by the lack of blogs and picture posts.  There have been many blog-worthy moments, but I haven't had my camera or felt the energy to put words into a post.  It's been work having all three kids in school and getting used to three different teacher routines, school work, procedures, etc.  I have a wonderful husband who has taken on the tedious after school work task.  I have been working a lot lately but fortunately have an amazing manager who has let me off at 4 p.m. so I have time with the kids and their after school activities.  I'm not sure how long this will be case since our SKyPAC season begins this month.  I anticipate working a lot which is fine because of our excellent family support system.  This new life of work and having three kids in school has been an adjustment--not necessarily hard but new and different.  SO, this post will be blog-worthy moments sans pictures.

KARSON never ceases to amaze me at her accomplishments and beautiful heart.  One of her dearest friends Jamison broke his arm at the beginning of the school year.  Karson and Jamison have been inseparable friends since kindergarten.  He's been the one constant in her school life since age 5.  It was hard for her when she found out he wasn't in her class this year.  I get emotional talking about and found myself almost crying one recent day at Hobby Lobby telling a friend about it.  Moving on, I was on facebook the other night and his mom sent me message asking me if I had seen the get well note Karson had written him.  I hadn't.  She said "it was so sweet and thoughtful of her.  What a good friend she is.  Tell her we appreciate it."  Makes a momma smile.  Karson has been invited to participate in the school's SUMMIT program, aka gifted and talented, this year.  We are proud of her achievement.  She began her volleyball season a few weeks ago beginning with a clinic at WKU.  Her team is called the Spikettes.  Her entire team last year moved up to Division II because they are older.  I've talked to a couple who suggested we move her up.  However, I decided not to do that.  Karson belongs in Division I and still needs another year to improve.  AND, quite frankly, I wanted her to have a year to SHINE.  She scrimmaged her Sassy Spiker team the other night at practice and did AMAZING.  I think I made the right decision and hope she has a future in this exciting sport.  Her first game is tomorrow.  We are still in the process of trying to find the kids a piano program to participate in.  Karson loves playing and would like to continue her studies.  Her music teacher could no longer accommodate she and Isaac because of family and personal commitments.  We're hoping to find a new instructor soon.  Karson had her first friend, Leslie, over for a sleepover on Friday night.  I'm sure this is uncommon to most children age 9. She has been to a couple of sleepover/birthday parties with friends, and her cousin Elizabeth has spent the night at our house.  But, she has never had a school friend over to spend the night.  She and Leslie had the best time together, and I am entertaining the idea of having a sleepover with a couple of girls for Karson's birthday in October.  Start praying for me now =).

ISAAC spends lots of his time drawing and playing on the computer these days.  I am going to try and arrange more playdates for him this year.  We met his friend Jacob at a new inflatable place in BG called "Just Kid'n".  Me and Jacob's mom have been trying to get our boys together since last spring.  They had a great time running around and playing together.  Isaac told me that they usually play baby jail on the playground during recess.  NO telling what these boys come up with to play at school.  We also met his friend Donovan at the park last week and are hoping to get together with him again soon. Since Isaac isn't into organized sports, I've tried to figure out something for him to get involved in.  I plan to enroll him in piano with Karson, but I also signed him up for a Junior Naturalist Program at Lost River Cave beginning in 2013.  I was to late signing him up this year so I was first on the list for 2013.  The program is designed to encourage children to explore nature all year long.  They meet every other month to discover, investigate and explore.  This is right up his alley.  He loves nature and hands-on experiences.  I'm also thinking about putting him in 4-H.  Plano is starting a group.  I think he would enjoy it, and I think he needs more interaction with children outside of the school setting.

MILES is loving kindergarten, whew.  He's eager to learn and seems to be doing very well.  Here lately he is coloring ALL THE TIME.  Anyone who knows my boy well, knows he DOE NOT ENJOY THAT.  His fine motor skills aren't the finest, but they are getting better and better each day because of his constant need to color and write.  He's really funny about taking his lunch to school.  He doesn't like going through the line because they make him put everything on his plate.  I guess he thinks he has to eat it too, not sure.  I've packed his lunch A LOT.  At first he ONLY wanted a sandwich and drink and nothing else.  Of course I didn't want to seem like the neglectful mom and only pack that so I would put other things in like yogurt, cheese, and chips/pretzels.  He'd get real mad at me and try to take them out.  Then, he would wait until he got home to eat the rest of his lunch--warm yogurt, ick.  He's getting better though.  He's obsessed with pancakes lately.  I'm considering getting a deep freeze to accommodate all the pancake eating he and Karson do.  I'm very proud of Miles and how well he's adjusted to this new way of life.

I recently purchased tickets for our family to see Jungle Jack Hannah next spring at SKyPAC.  We had a bunch of family and friends wanting to go so I was able to get us a group rate.  Cannot WAIT!

These are some pictures that I took this month.  August 13 was a monumental moment.  We decided to free our turtle Green Jill.  We found her about a year ago on Carter Sims Road.  At the time, I was really thinking we would keep her for a day or two and then let her go.  However, a day or two turned in over a year.  After much consideration, I convinced the kids it was time to free her.  I could tell by her behavior that she was going into hibernation/egg laying mode again.  She was clawing at the surface of her tank repeatedly and trying to get out of the tank daily.  She wasn't meant to be kept as a domestic pet.  We let her go back in her natural habitat at the Vernon pond.  It was a sad and happy day.

 Goodbye little turtle, hope you enjoy your freedom.

Okay so here is another picture but it wasn't taken by me.  It was taken by my sweet friend on the far right named Karen Carpenter.  She came in for a visit over the weekend.  She lives in Alabama.  We formed a tight bond when she and her late husband, Brad, lived in BG years ago and worked closely with the HFC ministry at Western.  We were both pregnant together with our sweet first babies.  Karen is a rock and has endured a lot over the years. She and Brad were only in BG for a short amount of time before they went back to Alabama to work for the university there.  I'm not good with time frames, but to me, it seems like they hadn't been gone long before I learned Brad had suddenly died (in 2009).  Matt and I made the trip to Alabama to give Karen our love and support--it was so very sad.  I really admire Karen--her strength getting through everything and how she manages to still honor Brad and provide a strong image of him to their two sons, Philip and Evan.  I don't get to see her often, but I sure do enjoy it when she comes to town.  SO, here's my only picture from the remainder of August with some of my sweet friends.  I'll try to do better with picture taking this month.