Thanksgiving in Arkansas

Doesn't everyone have a secret desire to have Thanksgiving in Arkansas?  We did.... we just didn't know it until about a week ago :)  Kayla and Andrew didn't come home for the holiday so we decided to take Shea and Braden and run away.  We were able to get a few nights at the Worldmark condos in Fairfield Bay, AR.

And off we went....

Love the visitor center.
and the bathroom at the visitor center.

Shea took a few photos out the car window.

Braden smashing Shea. 
It's all about the fun.

Mt Magazine State Park
our picnic was a bit drizzly and wet.

Shea doesn't like to hike.
so we call it exploring.

Leaf Bug.
Creepy.

The crazy thing is that Arkansas in November
is just like Ketchikan in July.
I LOVED IT!

Petit Jean State Park
amazingly beautiful

A little more exploring up a river bed

Shea decorated our Thanksgiving table

Shea brought home a Christmas tree for the animals.
of course.

Walk in the park

Saturday was gorgeous, so we took the dogs and three cute girls to the park.

Viper came along as well, but in a jar.  This was just a bit before his demise.  I guess the girls thought he needed a little enjoyment before his life ended.

I love the fall weather... Oklahoma has redeeming qualities!

Jack and Sasha

a contrast in dogs :) 

 Shea, Kaitlyn and Kelsi

Sasha not liking the bridge

Viper the rattlesnake

Shea and her friends found a baby rattlesnake...

IN OUR FRONT YARD!!!!!!

 captured in Shea's garbage can

little thing wasn't very happy about all the attention.

the girls named him Viper

My question....

WHERE ARE HIS PARENTS!!!?????

p.s.  Viper is no longer living.  Thanks to James. 
Best. Neighbor. Ever.

Too sexy for my sweater...

Even Satan the Chihuahua deserves to be warm. 

Yes... it has finally gotten cold here!! 

*happy dance*

 our neighbor gave us the sweater that was too small for their dog.

Sasha looks adorable.

well... as adorable as an evil chihuahua can look.

I can't figure out how to put the video right on the post... but click here for the I'm Too Sexy song.

Backyard pond and Shrek the Musical

Shea (who happens to be one of the most creative, focused people I know) decided that our backyard was boring and needed a pond.  It didn't matter that we are horrible parents and unwilling to assist.  Or that she had to dig through tough red clay.  When I told her she didn't know how to build a pond, she responded with "I looked it up online.  Of course I know how to do it."  You can only argue for so long with this child.

Here's a couple of shots of Shea, Joey (neighbor) and Braden working on the project...

Last night Shea and I went into OKC to see Shrek the Musical.  So fun!  Even if we did have seats only three rows from the top (of a very large theater).  Thank goodness for binoculars.

3 states. 3 friends. 1 flat tire.

My friends Tammy & Kristi flew in on Saturday to spend a few days with their long-lost friend in Oklahoma.  Yay me!!!

Matching PJ's
Thanks, Kristi!



Our first stop was in Arkansas where the Red Ferns Grow was filmed.
maybe I'll get that from Netflix....
when I feel like a good cry.



Natural Falls, Arkansas
Perfect for a picnic
Very beautiful!



Eureka Spring, AR
Adorable little town!





We stayed two nights in Branson where it was beautiful!!
Shopping and then to see Six, a musical group.
We felt sooooo young, since the average age was 75.







Cooking not-too-hot Bi Bim Bop



When we were about 10 minutes from the airport in Oklahoma City my tire blew out.  Of course it was on a VERY busy freeway but we finally got a cab so they could make their flight.  As they hugged me goodbye I was a bit (ok... a lot) teary.  I am happy that we live here, but being left on the freeway with the toothless assistant guy was just a bit more than I really wanted at that moment.

Of course, things always seem to turn out in the end.  They made their flight, my toothless friend was very nice and quick about changing the tire and I was happy to get home to my great kids and very wonderful husband.