Part of our vacation in the US, was spent in Arkansas visiting Brooks' family. We started out our week and a half trip by going to the Ranch (in Hot Springs) and spent a few days visiting with all the extended family. Brooks cooked gumbo for everyone one evening and we spent our days circled around Mim's table eating, catching up, and laughing. There's never a dull moment at Mim's house and our boys were never bored. They enjoyed playing and spending time with their extended cousins. These kids get along great with one another.
Brooks' brother, Brandon, goes to Children's Hospital in Little Rock every week for chemotherapy treatment. Brooks couldn't wait to see Bran and visit with him, so our first morning in Arkansas he drove to LR and spent the day with Brandon in the hospital. Considering the circumstances they enjoyed their visit. Most of their day was spent laughing and goofing off just like they always do when they're together.
While daddy was away, Gavin got to ride the four wheeler with Pop and took a few rides around the ranch. He got to see the buffalo, longhorn, a donkey, and lots of horses. This has become a normal event for Gavin and Pop and something they both look forward to and talk about throughout our visit.
Once Brandon was released from the hospital, we drove down to Arkadelphia to stay the week with Brooks' mom, her husband John, and spend more time with Brandon. We celebrated the Christmas season and went to a Christmas Light "show", which was amazing! It was at a botanical garden place and the sights were beautiful. Some friends of the family were there with their 3 kids so we enjoyed walking around the grounds visiting and Gavin was able to run around with other kids. There were gingerbread houses, flowers, trees, animals, and lots more images created out of lights. They created a train that actually made sounds and that you could walk inside. Gavin couldn't wait until we got to the train. He honked the horn and climbed up and down the stairs until we HAD to leave. It was a fun evening and nice to get out of the house and enjoy some Christmas festivities while we were in the states.
*Brooks was MIA for this family outing-- he got to spend the weekend with 5 of his best guy friends outside of Dallas at a ranch, shooting guns and riding four wheelers. He had a blast being with the guys and doing guy stuff.... you know with no kids, no responsibilities. I wonder what that's like!
When Brooks got back from his guys weekend, we celebrated Christmas one morning and made some special memories. The boys had a blast opening presents and were running around everywhere trying to dig into all the boxes. I don't think they knew what to play with first. Tractors, balls, pow-pow's, books, doctors outfits and more... it was a fun morning. Gavin loved "working" on Uncle Bran and helping him to feel better. Brandon was a great patient, too!
The rest of our week was filled with our usual happenings around Missie and John's place. Gavin got to feed the neighbors' horse and donkeys, did a little tree climbing, rode on Papa John's new tractor, went fishing, and helped daddy build a bonfire. They keep Gavin pretty busy when he's at their house and he loves every minute of it!
One of our days together, while Brandon, unexpectedly was admitted into the hospital overnight and Brooks was staying with him, Missie and I drove to LR and took the boys to a cute, fun little children's place (almost like a children's museum). it was a fun area for them to run around, work at different stations, experiment, etc. There was a puppet area, grocery store, kitchen, barn, water hole, vet sight, and more. Gavin and Grammy spent a lot of time in the grocery store. They used the cash register and everything! Miles filled a grocery basket up a time or two and dumped all the food everywhere. It was a really fun morning and the boys played and played their hearts out.
I'm so glad we took the boys there and gave them some experiences around town, not just at houses. I'm always hoping to let them see and do as much as they can when we visit the states-- we don't get these types of experiences here in Saudi.
The following weekend, we headed back to the Ranch to spend time with some friends of ours who were getting married and Brooks was in the wedding. Gavin played with all his "cousins" some more and stayed busy while we did wedding activities.
After the rehearsal dinner, all our friends headed to the Arlington Hotel in downtown Hot Springs for some "dancing". I don't think there was much dancing going on, but we did visit and hang out with out kids running around. Wow- adult conversations. Love them and love our friends!
It was a joy to celebrate Tim and Gabi's special day. We've been friends with Tim for YEARS and Gabi was one of my campers so they both have a special place in our hearts. Brooks and I were grateful when my due date changed by a few days so we could manipulate my travel dates back to Saudi in order to go to their wedding. We spent the afternoon with close friends who we don't get to see often so it was a very special weekend.
Camp friends-- there is NO ONE LIKE THEM!
We loved being in Arkansas spending time with family and friends. As every trip is always too short, we're looking forward to the next visit and making more memories.
Check out a million more pics on facebook from our trip!
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