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!