Weekend Fun

We're off on an exciting adventure with our new camper. Brandon and his Dad spent the weekend getting her all tuned up.  The dogs think it's their new deluxe travel crate, but I'm okay with that.  I think it needs a name - any suggestions?

This photo brought to you courtesy of a grilled cheese sandwich.  Aren't they cute?  :)

A totally glorious day

We finally got a break from all of the heat this weekend and Sunday was so gorgeous that I vowed to spend as much of it outdoors as possible.  I did a pretty good job by starting the day reading on the back deck, then later a friend and I sat in the front yard in our lawnchairs and supervised the boys' landscaping efforts, then we rounded out the day grilling and enjoying dinner on the deck as the sun sank.  Thank you Lord for beautiful days spent with friends!

Ha Ha Tonka

Brandon let me talk him into going on an adventure last weekend to Ha Ha Tonka State Park at the Lake of the Ozarks.  I'd seen pictures of the castle ruins there and been wanting to go hiking for a while and we finally just decided to take a day and go since we were already at the lake house anyway.  It was BEAUTIFUL!

This is the beautiful spring that feeds into the lake.  We were standing at the castle ruins admiring the breathtaking view from the front drive.

Making our way down all 316 stairs to the spring at the bottom!  You can see them drop down behind us!

Brandon next to the crystal-clear water where the spring comes rushing from underground caves.

 Looking back at the castle ruins from the bottom

And introducing the Peterson Family Mascot!
We had been thinking for a while about getting a sidekick that could easily fit into a suitcase and join us on our adventures - taking advantage of fun photo opportunities along the way. When we saw this very unique store we thought that we just might find something silly and fun enough to hold the title and represent us well.  We found success in our little jackalope friend who now has a place in our photos and our hearts.  In honor of the crazy store we found him in, please welcome our new friend, Davis.