Vaca Part I - Arkansas

We hit the road early on Saturday instead of leaving Friday night as planned in order to miss the storms. Oh the irony as you'll soon see. Our final destination was Lake Webster, Indiana to spend time with Paul's mom's side of the family. They've been gathering at the lake for 21 years, but more of that to come. Soooo, we decided to take our time and enjoy some spots along the way. Gerald & Vonda were kind enough to let us borrow their pop-up camper and my dad let us use his truck. The pair made for great traveling!

First stop: Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas

This is a GREAT place and we could've stayed several more days. They had tons of trails, a river, a great pool with water slides and a separate kids area, a cool playground, and a beautiful waterfall over their dam. A big shout out to the corps of engineers who developed that place!
Lucky for us, Saturday was a beautiful and sunny day. We took advantage of that and enjoyed the pool and our campsite. Little did we know that it was our last full day of no clouds - not to mention the rain. On Sunday, we took a hike through the rain, but it was really beautiful and kept us cool (and wet). Paul and Bethany went down into a cave to explore and we walked under a waterfall. Another cave was called "The Icebox" because of the temperature change inside. It really was pretty remarkable how much cooler it was (it is the foggy picture). All in all, we had a great stay at DD, but the rain wasn't going to let up, so we passed on our second night there and headed north.

Lou helping Paul set up the camper. She's still in her pj's from the early morning departure.

Checking out the campsite. It overlooked the river. Walking down to the dam.

Bethy sliding down to Paul

The start of our rainy hike to the caves and falls

The "Ice Box"

Family Dinner & Holding Hands

Since my last post was negative, here's some positive:
I simply LOVE that dinner as a family at the table is a priority. Always has been, always will be. I also think it is wonderful that my hubby holds my hand every single time we pray (as long as I am within reach). It can be at dinner, at church, or anywhere...he always makes sure we connect as we approach the Throne.
*Disclaimer: This positivity in no way cancels out my feelings in the past post ;)

Flakes & Smackers

Two things I hate: flaky people and bad table manners. Well, I have become one and raised one. I keep canceling on my friends - flake. My daughter can't seem to eat with her mouth closed - smacker. Urgh. Lord help us.

Slip-N-Slide

On Saturday afternoon, we took the slip-n-slide next door to Dorris' house. She has a little hill in her yard, so that - and the dish soap Paul added - got the girls really moving!

King's Visit

My Dad came to visit this weekend and the girls were quite entertaining (as always!). He is letting us take his truck on vacation since our van doesn't have a tow package (we're taking the B's pop-up). I think it will be hard for Paul to give it back! Thanks to both of our families who are allowing this to be an even better vacation (we leave Friday!).
The weather was beautiful, so we spent most of the time outside. The only time we were indoors was to sleep and when the guys went antiquing. Nana sent the girls a new slip-n-slide (thanks, Nana), so Paul and King set it up and it provided lots of laughter! We laughed so hard and the girls just love it. We enjoyed Cousin's on the back porch Friday night and grilled burgers on Saturday. I tell ya, we are loving the back porch and yard so much.
Dad also brought a little piece of history - and a big piece of decor - along with him. I now am the proud owner of my family's old newspaper store-front sign. This is a big deal to me and deserves its own post; so, I hope to get all of my history facts straight then share it in a later post.
Here are some of the shots from our time with King. Thanks, Dad, for coming here (and bringing the truck and trailer!), it was good to have you in our home.

The girls testing out the camper while Dad gave Paul pointers on the truck.

My new favorite possession hung proudly on the back porch!

King enjoying his littlest girls

King set up an obstacle course for Bethy to drive her jeep around

I just love Lou's muddy feet here

We love you, King!

Just Bragging

Check out this post about my brother's store:

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/

This blogmaster was listed by the Washington Post as one of the top 10 blogs in America AND she loves my brother :)

Splash Pad

Our playgroup met at the Crowley Splash Pad last week and had a ball! It is a free public park just south of where we live. Too fun!