Papa's

Papa has 9 horses , 1 mule, 1 dog, and too many cats to count.  The boys have always loved riding in the ranger and feeding all the animals.  The past two visits were extra special because they got to ride a miniature horse.

 

  Next up was a swim and a snack.  They have always loved apples but I think after seeing the horses eat them whole they were even more excited.  They insisted eating and feeding each other just like the horses.

Mud Bug Boil 2012

Mud Bug Boil 2012

Every year a tiny town in Arkansas called Delaplaine has a Mud Bug Boil.  This part of Arkansas is known for it's duck hunting and has been a favorite destination of my husband for about 6 years.  This was our first year to make it.  It was a blast!! To my surprise I really enjoyed the crayfish - I think I might like them better than shrimp.

  

 David Nelson made lots of new friends!!

Rodger was in charge of the grilling and I must say he did an awesome job!!

The Mayor was there as too!!

I think the boys favorite part was playing with the mudbugs.  Trying not to get pinched was tricky!!!

We were lucky enough to stay for the whole weekend.  So what else is there to do in Arkansas, actually a lot.  We went to a splash park on Saturday and went frog gigging Sunday night, both of which we were way to busy to take any pics.  We also did a little chalk art.  It started out with tracing our hands and feet.  David Nelson's favorite was getting to measure who was taller.  Somehow he convinced Leslie to let him trace her too.

The boys loved riding the Mule with Rodger too!!!

On Monday we went to the Springs to try our hand at trout fishing.  It took us about 6 hours to figure out where we needed to be and what we needed to fish but once we got there (which was really on 45 minutes from the duck club) it was AMAZING.  The water was crystal clear and cold but quite delightful.  The boys found mud, of course and Leslie caught all the fish!!  She was sweet enough to let the boys reel a couple of them in though. 

 We did attempt a group picture at the duck club, Double B, but the boys were not to into it that morning - maybe next time!!

Columbia, SC

Columbia is one of our most favorite places to visit.  Well of course, two of our most favorite people live there,  Mary Kathryn and Matthew. 

 We got the opportunity to visit a few weeks ago and had a blast!!!  There was never a dull moment.  Saturday we went to the Children Museum.  It was amazing.  I must say I got some great ideas for future birthday parties, and you know how I love planning birthdays!!

They had a fire station with a real firetruck and pole!!

A Barn Yard where you could collect eggs, pick plants, or climb on a real John Deere tractor.

A Grocery story with carts, can food, box food, produce, a freezer with meat, and of course a check out with cash register (this was Hendricks favorite!!).

 David Nelson's favorite was the huge indoor playground.  It was like no other playground I have ever seen!!  It was a huge boy (picture of David Nelson and Mary K on his shoe) and the inside of the boy was the replica of a true human body with slides and stairs and tunnels.  You could slide down the esophagus and climb through the intestines.  You could jump around in the stomach which of course had food in it.  AMAZING!!!

 Next up was the Vet Clinic.  I thinks this was my favorite!! (There may be Vet birthday party in someone's future)  They had little cages with stuffed animals and they each had a chart.  There was a scale, stethoscope, lab coat, and a pet scanner.  It was soooo adorable!

  

The next day, after a wonderful pancake breakfast cooked by sweet Matthew, we were off to the Riberbanks Zoo and Gardens.

Mary K and Matthew got these toys for David Nelson which did not leave his side for a few weeks

Thanks Mary Kathryn and Matthew, we had the best time!!!!!