Museums & Parks

We were able to get in some fun, and educational things on our trip to Arkansas. Kim knowing how much Cooper loves Putt Putt, suggested we try the Safari Park in Hot Springs. After a short drive we arrived an were excited to not only see putt putt, but water bumper cars, Go Carts, and an arcade. After buying passes we headed out.

 Now, I had seem the bumper cars before, but had not realized they were armed. Cooper found his button and got me wet (and I was on the other side of the fence) .From then on, it was a all out war. It seemed that Lauren and Cooper were good at ganging up on Uncle J. It was good we rode the Go carts next so the could all dry off.  Boy did they have fun!

   A Very Happy Boy.

Now I did not get any pictures of the Go Carts, since I was also driving. The kids loved it, and some smart person, probably a women, had put a steering wheel in for the kids, so Lauren and Kate were loving "driving" the carts. Joel, Cooper and Justin were quickly in a race for first place. I am not sure who won, but I know I was in last. Up next Putt Putt.

Not sure Lauren really played, but she was in on the action

Girls looking for their balls

Next up was the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. We had visited it last year, but it is a really great museum and I am very glad we went again. 

Checking out what happens to the ground when a earthquake happens.

Moving a ball thru a maze

Happy Cousins

Can't forget about Elise

This game was very cool, you needed to calm your brain activity to move your ball toward your opponent. The kids did not really have the concentration for it, but the parents were soon in a heated battle. Justin and I could both turn if "off" pretty quick, which I am not at all sure is something to brag about.

My incredibly tough girl laying on a bed of nails!

Dress up time

After the Children's Museum we walked a block down to the Wildlife Museum of Arkansas. It was part of the tourism department and showed all the local wildlife. It was very nice and a great addition to the day. 

Looking at the fish

Feeling black bear fur

Hands on display

We all enjoyed the day, and I think the adults had as much fun at the Museum of Discovery as the kids did. 

Vacation Time with the Lovejoy Family

Getting together with family can be tough, and add a lot of miles between and it gets even harder. So when Kim called me and said they were trying to get to Arkansas in the spring, we were on board. (Joel has vowed never to go back, but we knew he would do the right thing ) Now, Justin and Kim thought it would be a good idea to surprise Mom and Dad, but I could not go thru with it, so I told Mom on her  birthday that our gang was coming out.
   Well, since we have always had a hard time in Arkansas, I thought we were right on track when Cooper threw up all over my car the day before we left. Thankfully after we cleaned everything up, he was okay, and had no lasting effects.  Once we landed and got to Mom and Dad's house the kids wanted to fish. And we fished and fished over the next few days. The kids loved it and we were able to catch quite a few. Sadly we did have the line snap on a few and would see the bobbers pop up every once in a while. We hope the fish did not get too much hazing for it from there friends.

Cooper, Joel and Dad testing the waters

 Cooper told me Grandpa was the best fishing teacher

 One of the first catches, not too big

 Now that is more like it

When were were not fishing, we were playing with bubbles, rolling down the hill in the yard, and running around screaming at the top of our lungs. Fun was had by all, if not a few frazzles nerves.

BUBBLES!!!

Love Grammie's make up

 Lauren was thrilled to have someone to cuddle with

Grandma wanted her pic with the grandkids (notice Grandpa did not have the fortitude to take on the challenge). Thankfully the kids were sufficiently tired from rolling down the hill and were able to sit still for a few minutes.

Happy Kids, Happier Grammie

 Cooper (5), Grammie (29), Elise (10mth), Katherine (3), & Lauren (3)

We had a great trip and had no travel stories from this trip. I guess this means Arkansas 2 and the White family 1. I know we were all glad to be able to spend time with the Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins.

Season's over

Well it is spring time in CO and that means....... uh Snow. Well, I must say that I love the season in our beautiful home state and a late snow is something to enjoy because you know the cold is not going to last much longer, and besides the slight damage to some flowers, it is pretty. We had about 6 inches of really wet snow this weekend so Joel took the kids over to the hill near our house.
here is the results

Last weekend was also Cooper last soccer game for the season. He really improved a lot, and to be the braggy parent I will say he was one of only two little ones on the team to score this season, (we will not mention the goal scored on his own goal), and he did a great job of listening to his Coach. Who I will also say, was great with the kids and kept them motived and on track. Which can be really difficult if you make 5 year old boys stand close to each other for more then about 30 seconds. Here are some pics from the rest of the season.

            Getting Help from Tag and Sydnee

 Not sure why hands are up... since we know we can not use them

 Happy to be here

 Go, Go, Go

 Stop Em!

 Reese did a great job this season too!

 Go, Go, Go

Since we need to something of Lauren, we will brag about her bike riding. She has been  doing a great job on her strider bike. Here is a short video.