Lots to learn in Arkansas

In our family we value all that family has to offer. We truly value our family and enjoy spending lots of time with them, so we try to make the most of our visits to Arkansas. With Arkansas being so far, we don't seem to make it as much as we like, but when we are there we always make lots of memories. This trip it seemed to be a big learning adventure for Addie, She kept surprising me with new phrases and abilities. It is amazing how fast children learn, the learn things even when you don't think they are even watching!

Inotda thoroughly enjoyed teaching Avery how to properly lounge. She had Avery with the soft blanket, what can I say I'm raising a sucker for plushy goodness.

Here we have Pops teaching Addie how be a WWF fighter. Those two played forever. Throwing pillows, wrestling, tickling, laughing and genuinely having a great time.

Meli taught Addie how to make her own necklaces. Next time I think will give Addie bigger beads to work with!

Addie decided that she would share this wealth of new knowledge with her Strawberry Shortcake friends. So here she is in her house reading to her friends and teaching them about all her new found skills.

Cinderella must have a Cinderella pumpkin for Halloween. She insisted on a Cinderella pumpkin, but wanting nothing to do with the creating of said Cinderella pumpkin! Stinkin' kid leaving Mom to do all the dirty work.

Avery learned all about laundry, too bad she is still to young to be my little laundry elf!

Ooooooh Laaaa La. For Inotda's birthday (39th of course) we treated her to her first pedicure ever. We also taught Addie how to appreciate the finer things in life, like a nice relaxing pedi!

Yes sandals at the end of October. I'm not lying it was really sandal weather. Even more amazing Addie sat still long enough to get blue with white bokadots.

Addie might not want anything to do with being photographed but he learned all about being a photographer's assistant. She did not want to leave Kimmie's side, not even to get in a picture.

It is true Mom and Lewy still haven't learned to appreciate the indigenous plants of the area. They still prefer the tropical variety. So Addie learned the art of preserving the plants on the eve of the 1st freeze. Building a sheet yurt over the massive Oleander and digging up the Bird of Paradise, and the transformation of house to green house. It is only fair to pawn this tradition off onto the next generation.

Inotda also taught Addie the lost art of icing store purchased cookies and pretending that they are homemade!

Most importantly we learned how to travel. I feel so blessed to have been able to travel across the country with my 2 girls and survive to tell the tale. We actually made it rather smoothly to Arkansas and survived the 4 hour lay over. It was on the way home that we encountered the small hiccup. Sweet Avery had a massive blowout, and I forgot to pack and extra outfit. Yes, I was that Mom traveling with the mostly naked baby! Oh well, we made it and would still be willing to do it again!

Yup, I can make a mess, but at least I'm cute and didn't cry much!