Mountain Home: Day 7

Friday we went on a canoe trip. We all parked our cars and loaded this bus to take us to the drop off. We took up the entire bus!

It was a beautiful day on the White River. Here are some of our clan starting down.

Crew wasn't so sure about the canoe at first. He really thought he should have his own paddle but he got comfortable quick. Lots of fish and things to look at and touching the water in general was his thing.
The entire group

Crew became a big fan of Christian's over this trip. It was fun to see them catching up from the last two years.

After the river, Crew helped me make brownies for dessert. I'd say it was a good day.

Mountain Home: Day 6

I think this day may have been the top for Crew. We had two ski boats and a pontoon boat and spent the whole day on the lake. Crew and Christian showing off their muscles to get pumped up for tubing.

I know Crew's face isn't totally convincing but he did great tubing. We laughed at the big waves and may have topped 8mph?

Since these lakes are so big and not crowded, we always pick a cove to throw over our anchors then swim and hang out in the middle of the lake. This is my favorite thing! The pontoon stays and ski boats come and go. We just ski then relax, then ski and relax some more.
Matt catching some air. Do you think he lands this?

Crew watching the skiers and getting some rays

Crew's favorite thing was jumping off the boat into the water, swimming around the boat to the ladder and then doing it all over again. He honestly did this way over an hour! He also just enjoyed playing in the middle of the lake and swimming around.

7 big guys all trying to stand up. They were so close.

Crew has told me a few times since: "Mom, member when mommy, daddy, grandpa, and Crew all went to the lake together? Can we go again?" Poor guy I wish we could!

Mountain Home: Day 5

Wednesday morning we got up and drove down to Blanchard Springs Caverns. Crew loved the caves, mostly because of all the water, but it was a fun excursion.

Besides the water, the other highlight of the cave was the ship formation made in the limestone. Crew thought that was pretty awesome!

After the caves we went down to the spring. It is such a beautiful area.

From there we ate some lunch and played in the stream. Oh all the rocks! My boy was in heaven.

This area of the country is honestly so beautiful!

Mountain Home: Days 3&4

Monday Crew got to discover the amazing lakes of Arkansas. They have two huge lakes within 20 minutes of my grandma's house. They are the size of Lake Powell, but in the middle of northern Arkansas so nobody is really on them. They are warm and surrounded by beautiful trees which make them heaven for me! Crew had to concur. We just went swimming on this day. Crew wouldn't get out the entire 2 hours we were there. He loved it!

We finally convinced him that life jackets are good and he swam all over with us.

The next morning we had a great thunder and lightening storm! Crew and grandpa sitting on my grandma's porch watching the storm come over, pointing out lightening strikes and talking back to the thunder. It was a cute interaction to observe.

Crew also found time to get acquainted better with the John Deer Ride-on lawn mower.
You will notice in many pictures from this trip Crew is not wearing a shirt or shoes. I told you he felt right at home in Arkansas.

Tuesday afternoon we went bowling with the cousins.
Crew is so hilarious to watch. He loves it and bowled two games. He just doesn't wear out!
I had some amazing streak of luck! See the S row three down. See the 4 strikes in a row! Yeah, I'm looking into a career since my 170 was all talent and no luck!

The gang after bowling.

Crew spent the rest of the afternoon playing with some of his 2nd cousins in the yard. Nothing like an otterpop to finish of a fun day of play.

Mountain Home: Days 1 & 2

Saturday morning we caught a 7 am flight to Phoenix, where we met up with my parents and left at 9:30 for Tulsa, Ok. We got in about 2 their time, got a rental car and started our 4 hour drive down to Mountain Home, Arkansas. This is where my mom grew up and where I spent about a month of all my summers growing up. It is wonderful and it was so good to be back and introduce Crew to his Arkansas roots. He was right at home and had a blast this trip. Since there is so much to include from our week, I will break it down a bit. After we got into town the first night we went to the local firework show. It was sooooo hot and humid but the fireworks were amazing! This is my Grams with them. She is the reason we get to come here! Crew LOVED the fireworks! He was laughing and woohooing the entire half hour and it was honestly one of the best shows I have ever seen!

Got to love this face

Just a glimpse of what all the fuss was about!

Another fun thing about our first night there was Crew discovering fireflies. I wish I could have caught it on camera but they are everywhere lighting up all the field and grass. Crew thought they were pretty cool but wasn't too sure about holding one yet.

The next day after church, we drove down to Bull Shulls State Park by the White River. It was a mush cooler day so it was great to be out seeing all the beauty around us. Not a great picture of mom and I but it is rare both photographers are in one together!

Crew loved playing down by the river. Nothing like throwing rocks, playing with sticks and watching the local fishermen!

It was a great start to the week and just be prepared for a lot more to come!