I've finally had a chance to sit down and post about the rest of our time in Arkansas. I'm going to jump through lots of moments because there were so many, I didn't want to leave any out.
After all the kids were done swimming at our going away party, everyone headed inside for cake and coffee. The kids played and goofed off the whole time. It was precious watching them play together and run around the house. Gavin was pulling the girls in the wagon he got for Christmas (we kept it in Arkansas so he could use it when we visit). Brooks also had a fun time with all the kids tackling him. What a trooper he is!!
Gavin couldn't decide which toy he wanted to ride so Papa John came up with this brilliant idea. Gavin loved it and rode around the house like this for 2 days!
On the morning of our last day, Gavin got to go fishing in the pack pond! Look, there's Maggie-- oh how we miss her being at our house!! Gavin enjoyed the water and learning how to use a fishing pole (maybe next time we'll have one his size). He got to see a big turtle and even helped Brooks reel in a fish. However, he didn't care for the fish that much, but he still had a fun time!
Less than a mile from Grammy and Papa John's house are some train tracks. Throughout our visit, Gavin kept hearing the train's horn and would stop what he was doing, point, and say, "choo choo!" One time, he even asked us to hold him up so he could see it, however, the train tracks aren't in their backyard so he wasn't able to see one. We were really hoping the few times that we did drive past the tracks there would be one going by, but there never was.... UNTIL, we were leaving. We saw the lights flashing and got Gavin out of the car as fast as we could so he could see it going by! He loved it. He kept yelling "choo choo!" and pointing. Oh, it was a priceless moment! I think he was shocked by how big it was.
We had a blast at the ranch and as always it was way too short of a visit. Camp was going on so we got to stop by and say hello to some of our old campers (who are now Senior Counselors-- wow, we felt old!) Brookhill is where Brooks and I met and is also the place that helped influence who we are today. We love going there and getting to reminisce. We also love getting to spend time with family. Mim (Brooks' grandmother, Hettie) bought a soccer goal so Brooks put it together and Gavin went to town with that thing. We spent several hours watching him kick the ball all around their front yard. He'd make it into the goal every once in a while.
Some of our really good friends from camp, Mali and Mitchell, who we grew up going to Brookhill with as well as worked several summers together drove up to the ranch to see us before we leave for Saudi. They have a little boy, Rivers and another baby on the way. We went to lunch at a local favorite, The Shack, then let the boys play together before having to say goodbye. We were so grateful and appreciative of them taking time out of their day to come see us! We love you guys!
Once Uncle Bran finished camp he hung out with us as much as he could. Gavin loves his Bran-Bran. I do believe I have a picture of them together and Gavin is eating a Twizzler-- Brandon.... what were you thinking? They played together outside and goofed around.
After Sunday lunch, all the kids went outside to play with their Mimmy who encouraged them to get dirty and play! Now, I've never seen ANYTHING like this, but it was a swimming pool, filled with purple sand mixed with water. What a lovely mixture, huh!?!? However, it provided an hour or more of entertainment for the kids who didn't seem to mind AT ALL the gritty, dirty, smelly sand. It was really funny when Eli decided to lay in it and roll around. These are fun memories!
I can honestly say, I don't think Gavin has ever seen anything like this before either, but he enjoyed it!
Of course, after the sand playing was over with it required a hose down of all the kids. MeLisa went to leave but Gavin felt the need to drive her four wheeler. This is his newest thing-- driving. Brooks would let Gavin sit on his lap in our car while we drove on the ranch from one place to another and now Gavin thinks he can drive anything and everything. I did watch him put my car keys into my car ignition and start the car. I almost flipped out and was thankful I was in the car when he did it, however, it was scary to know he is capable of doing this. Yikes!
As always, Gavin loves the water hose and decided to water Mim and Pop's grass. Isn't he so cute!??!
He takes his job of water plants very serious. This is a new thing for him, but something he loves and is very observant of.
1 comment:
What fun!! Tally and I were just talking about camp the other day .. I love that ya'll got to spend so many summers there!!
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