We decided for our big vacation this year that our family would head to Arkansas to see Big Daddy and Inonna.
We also decided that we would drive- straight through! A lot of people thought that we were crazy! Maybe we are a little crazy. But we survived!
We made ourselves cozy with lots of blankets and pillows and toys to keep us company!
We are grateful that even the smallest of cities have McDonald's because chicken nuggets and french fries make for happy children!
Thank goodness for Creighton the co-pilot! After 18 hours we reached Burlington, Kansas where we could play with our Giraud cousins and stay the night. Then the next day he directed us another 4 hours to Fayetteville, Arkansas where Big Daddy lives!
Truly, he loved looking at the map and would let us know "we are heading north in the forest!"
Great-Grandma Betty Jo passed away April 24th and we had a graveside service for her on June 24th (her 80th birthday and my 6 year anniversary).
Her remains were buried with Grandpa's at a tiny cemetery in Bismark Arkansas (another long day of driving).
Grandma as a teenager/young adult.
It was a nice day to celebrate grandma and her life. Grandma Betty Jo was wonderful.
We even celebrated with some famous McClard's barbecue and her favorite cake- red velvet!
Grandma Betty Jo's 4 granddaughters and 3 great-grandchildren.
We had other good times in Arkansas...
Relaxing and watching movies is always a good thing to do on vacation!
We just HAD to make a trip to Chuck E. Cheese and it did not disappoint!
Of course the highlight of the trip was the swimming pool... I am sure it is the only way Big Daddy and Inonna convince anyone to visit during the summer- the humidity is miserable!
Macey Jo was fearless in the pool- which was no surprise! She is a brave little soul and is always pushing the limits.
She loved the thrill of this little slide.
And also throwing all of the toys in, then back out, then back in again...
Macey Jo was treated like the Queen Bee and even had a special float chair!
But it was more fun riding with Big Daddy!
Big Daddy is a whole lot of fun in the pool...
It took Creighton a few days to be comfortable in the pool. At first he was timid which surprised us- but something he wasn't shy with was using the squirt gun!
It took some patience and coaxing but by the last day he was happy to be in the pool and didn't want to get out!
We had a fun visit at Big Daddy and Inonna's house but the drive is daunting... It may be a while before we head back- unless we fly!
Thanks Big Daddy and Inonna!
