Road Trip

We finally made it to our destination of Eureka Springs, Arkansas! There were so many fun things to do and we had a great time! They were in the middle of their hottest heat wave in ten years, so that was a bit disappointing. But all in all, it was a successful vacation.

We rented this little cottage. It was almost totally Grant-proof and had plenty of room for us to spread out. We had a kitchen and all, so Gary woke up every morning and made us a big breakfast. It was just a very short walk into town, so it was also really convenient. We wanted to do lots of outdoor activities while we were there. And there was plenty to do! Our first stop was Beaver Lake. We learned that Grant loved the water and tried to repeat the experience as much as possible.

One day we took the short drive to Lake Leatherwood and went hiking. I told Gary I didn't think I would be able to do much hiking (more on that later), so we picked a relatively flat trail that was only two miles.

Grant was tuckered out by the end. We had skipped nap time so that we could hike when it wasn't so bloomin' hot!

We also took a paddle boat around Lake Leatherwood. It was lots of fun, but poor Grant just looked miserable...

... he had to wear a life jacket and it was already so hot. That child sweats in the cool A/C, so you can only imagine how hot he was here.

One of my favorite activities was taking the ES&NA Railway. We bought a bag of popcorn and some water and Grant just sat in my lap eating popcorn and looking out the window. He was so cute. You can definitely tell he is my child though... both our cheeks were as pink as rose petals (I don't think they changed back to pasty white until we made it home).

I love this picture. Just wish my arm wasn't in the way... what a great train ride!

We even got to put pennies on the track and watch them be flattened by a train engine. After the train ride, we went to the gift shop. I bought Grant the letters of his name that connect like a train. I look forward to painting it to match his room.

I know I said the train was my favorite, but I LOVED the War Eagle Mill, too. I think it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. And pictures just don't do it justice. I love old mills, and bought myself some goodies while we were there. I plan on making some homemade rolls and pancakes very soon.

We also ate at the restaurant here. It was so good... I just didn't want to leave. Grant and Gary both had a great time playing in the river. In fact, we had to pull Grant out of the river kicking and screaming. He really did not want to leave!

"Mom, I had a great time!"

I brought out some new "tricks" to help entertain Grant during our long car rides. Cheerio necklaces were a big hit, but the best idea yet came from one of my pre-kinder classes. Paint the back side of an old cookie sheet and put all kinds of magnets on it. This entertained Grant for quite some time!

Grant "driving" us home! This isn't even half of the things we got to do while in Arkansas. We saw caves, bats, old castles, went shopping, ate and ate and ate. It was such a neat place to visit and we look forward to returning!

Beaver Lake

We have a great time on vacation. Eureka is a very interesting town. It seems very hippy-ish with a strange, old-fashioned, conservative twist. It is absolutely beautiful. No road goes in a straight line for more than 100 feet and every building seems to be perched on a cliff. We love it.

Today, we went a bit out of town to Beaver Lake. We had a picnic, changed into our swimsuits and went swimming. The lake is really high right now, so a former picnic table and pavilion are out in the middle of the lake... the perfect place to swim and get a break from the sun! I just have to warn you... there are biting fish! I thought I was crazy at first, but a local said they are trying to nibble at the air bubbles on your legs. Ouch!

Well, I don't have time to post many pictures (using Wi-Fi at a local library), but I will leave you with this short video. You'll see just how much Grant loved the water!

Bears and Family Reunions

We are almost done with the first leg of our trip. It's been nice seeing family, immediate and distant. Today, we head on to Arkansas!

We made a stop along the way, and what do you know? We see a bear! Saturday was Gary's mom's dad's side of the family's reunion. Does that make sense? Anyhow, it was at this beautiful park with a lake and pavilion. We had a great time meeting some of our distant relatives.

Grant enjoyed himself, too! Thanks Greg and Jen for letting us stay with you for a few days!

Julie, Jessica and Ice Cream

Miss Julie came into town yesterday. She is going to be in town the exact time that Gary, Grant and I are going to be on vacation. So, we met up very briefly to have some ice cream. It was so great to see my girls! Always a fun treat!

Grant got a huge kick out of Julie. He thought she was just the funniest thing! Jess and Grant. I offered to send Grant home with Jess, but my offer got denied. :) Maybe next time.

Maddie's Birthday Party

Saturday morning, Erica and I had a garage sale. Not our best effort ever, but it still got us some pocket change. Afterwards, we went to Maddie's birthday party. Can't believe she's two! They rented some fun water toys for the kids of all ages. Grant had fun playing in the water with the other kiddos!

Stocking Our Freezers

Erica, Melissa, Jennifer and I got together last week to stock our freezers. We invited Courtney, but she had to go have a baby or something. :) Erica and I went grocery shopping the day before. We made six yummy meals (30 meals in all) and our total individual cost was under $35. Not bad!

Our Zucchini Meatballs. Anything to get a toddler to eat some vegetables! Melissa stuffing shells (something we think she will never do again).

Erica cooking up some yummy Chicken & Dumplings.

Some of our groceries. We had a great time! It took us almost five hours, but was definitely worth it. Something we will have to do again.

Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear...

Grant has a new habit of covering his ears with both hands when he hears any unusual or loud sound. I'm not sure where he picked that up, because I don't do that. I guess he figured it out for himself. Well, I was changing his diaper the other day and I always sing to him during diaper changes. I looked up and Grant was covering his ears! Guess everyone is a critic! Oh, one more thing... Grant has started signing back to us! I haven't been very consistent, but I guess I use one or two signs enough that he was able to pick up on the meaning. I am very excited about our new form of communication!

Fun in the Sun

Grant, Gary and I took our first official summer day trip! We went down to the West End of the Island with the Ballards. We left early this morning and it was well worth it. It was actually NICE outside! Not hot and humid as I had thought it might be.

"Hi, ladies!" Grant found many seashells on the beach. I had to put his "stopper" in, so that he wouldn't eat all of them. "I have blond hair, blue eyes and enjoy long walks on the beach..." Elijah and Grant had a great time playing in the sand.

Check out those digs! He looked like he belonged on a beach in Hawaii!

Since we left early this morning, Grant missed his first nap. He was a little tired and took a break on Erica's shoulder.

And on Gary's!

"Frisbee, anyone?"

Grant had a great time playing, but really wanted nothing to do with the water. He seems to have an issue with water in general. We have just finally got him to enjoy bath time, so I guess the ocean was just a bit out of his league.

"Look at me!"

Me and my boy. We had a great time!