Arkansas Trip 2014

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... 

Macey Jo was such a silly girl and insisted on trying on all of the flip-flops lying around. She also enjoyed all of the treats Big Daddy was willing to give to her, like ice cream cones!

 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!

Mother's Day Family Pictures

For Mother's Day this year my sisters and I bought my mom a family photo session!

 

Photos by Audrey Houghland.

"It's Black Like Mine..."

We had a happy Father's Day today! The kids have such a wonderful daddy and we are so thrilled to have a day to celebrate him!

We also have an awesome Grandpa Dennis and were happy to have him over for Father's Day dinner and dessert!

We had a father-pleasing meal: barbecue ribs, macaroni and cheese, layered salad and Root Beer float ice cream cake!

Do you think you would like Root Beer float ice cream cake? WE DID! Mine got a little mis-shapen, but still tasted just as delicious as this one from Lil Luna:

For Father's Day, I interviewed Creighton about his special daddy...

What is Daddy's name?

Daddy Darold

How tall is he?

"THIS" tall he is (showing me with his hands)

What does daddy do for fun?

play

What is daddy's hair like?

It's black like mine. (HA!)

What does daddy do at work?

He just works and works and works.

How much does he weigh?

He's REALLY BIG.

What are his favorite things to eat?

Mangoes and apples and cucumbers and salads.

What makes daddy the best?

Because he plays and plays.

What does he like to drink?

Water and chocolate milk

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?

Play Hook game and shooter and everything

How old is daddy?

15 old

How long have you known Daddy?

really best

Where did you and Daddy meet?

I see Daddy at church.

 

Our family is blessed to have great dads and a stepdad! Happy Father's Day!!

4 Year Old Tennis and Preschool

For 3 weeks we have Creighton in tennis lessons. Cason played tennis in high school and loved it. We thought it would be a fun thing for Creighton to do this summer.

Should 4 year olds play tennis?

In my 1 week experience, my answer is: NO.

But it has only been 1 week... so I am trying not to dismiss tennis from our lives completely.

Lessons are difficult because of his age. Whoever thought of offering lessons to 4 year olds is crazy. I suppose I am just as crazy for not thinking beforehand how difficult it might be.

One thing tennis has made me grateful for is that I finally enrolled Creighton in a preschool just 2 weeks ago. 

We haven't done preschool with Creighton yet. I felt kind of bullied into it by other moms, "Your child isn't going to preschool?!"And I thought, "What can someone else teach him that I can't?" Also, with me working, the schedule isn't ideal... But the past few months I have felt a great need for Creighton to be in preschool.

Tennis is teaching me why.

I don't know that teaching tennis to 4 year olds is wise- it is difficult and requires a lot of patience. Bless his instructor. But it has been good to help me realize that preschool is a necessary step for him this next year before Kindergarten. 

There is so much he needs to learn that I can't provide him, despite the fact I am his mother and even though his home is protective and loving. 

And he is so excited for his own school, 3 days a week!

Creighton is in love with tennis and looks forward to it each morning, but this momma will be so happy when it is over...