Our Trip to Arkansas

Now, some of you may be thinking - who would take a trip to Arkansas? Well, we would, and we can't wait to go back. The VERY BEST people live in Arkansas. (I can say that now that Bill and Hillary are gone.) After Christmas we headed out west (it's still strange to think of Arkansas as west.) Our dear friends, The Smith's were awaiting their son, Karl's arrival home from his mission and we wanted to join in the festivities. We were so lucky to be able to have THE BEST accommodations! Our friends, the Woffinden's were going to be out of town and let us just have their house for the week. (See what I mean about the VERY BEST people?) It was so nice to be able to come and go and have a place for the kids to play with toys and feel familiar in their setting. We owe them BIG TIME! The sad part of the trip was that I was sick the ENTIRE time. I got sick the night before we left so poor Tim had to clean up from Christmas, do the laundry, pack and load the car while I laid on the bed and told him what to do. The whole 13 hour drive there I laid in the back with the shivers and the shakes. Tim drove and Alexa loved being able to ride in the front. Tim got a good earful listening to all her little stories.

I tried to stay up beat while we were there but I was miserable. I didn't want to miss any of the fun. We had big plans. First, our dear friend Chelsie invited us over for dinner (her husband had to work.) I told you, the VERY BEST people! I then took the liberty of telling her that I knew that Jennifer was going to be home because her husband was at work also and she should invite her. Because these are the very best people, I knew Chelsie would jump on the chance. Here are some pics of our fun night with them.

Casey, Chelsie, Jennifer

Here are the cute babies having a great time with Tim.

Baby Walker! Look at those EYES!

Here's Tim being a trooper while us ladies sat and visited. He hung out with "the Guys".
What a sport!

Our anniversary is between Christmas and New Year's so Tim convinced the Smith's to watch the girls overnight so we could celebrate our anniversary. And of course, the VERY BEST people came through for us. Besides being sick, at least, that night I could enjoy most of my dinner and our nice hotel. Relaxing with out kids really helps while you are sick. Tim got us a place at the Peabody Hotel. He mentioned that it was our anniversary and they bumped us up to a higher floor with better accomodations (for free.)

Our complimentary Sparkling cider with cookies and chocolate ducks.

The view from our room.

Tim, again mentioned it was our anniversary at the restaurant and so we got free desert!

The Peabody is famous for the ducks in the foyer. They have a whole program for when they come out in the morning and then when they take them out in the evening. The ducks come down the elevator and walk the red carpet to their "pond".

The M.C.

One of the packages you can buy is to help with presenting the ducks. This little girl has some SUPER nice parents because this is what she got to do for her birthday. (My kids better not get any ideas because this will NEVER happen. $$$$)

Tim (trying to keep a smile on his face while dealing with a sick, annoying wife.)

After our anniversary, our friends from our old ward had a little get together so we could see some of our friends (the ones that were in town.) Here they are! (Again, the VERY BEST PEOPLE!)
The Brown's, The Moline's, The Ball's

The Johnson's, and The Morris' (I think poor Don was sick that day also.)

THE GUYS! (Great Bonding going on here!)

So, not only were we spoiled with the place to stay, the babysitting, the party, the dinner but the Ball's also took the girls to a New Year's Eve party at the community center and let them play (while I stayed home and slept trying to get well.) THE VERY BEST, I tell you.

On New Year's Eve the moment we were waiting for finally arrived. Karl was flying in. I stayed home with the little girls and Tim went to the airport. Here they are waiting for his arrival.

Momma, trying to stay calm while Karl's plane was delayed. AAGGHH! Karl, finally home. Although he was gone for two years and had many growing experiences, for the rest of us, having him home, was like he had never left.

I have to include this picture. Here is Karl and Angela, the day after he got home. I love this picture. Little did they know (or maybe the knew, and WE didn't know) that they would be getting married soon. Thanks Karl for giving us another reason to come to Arkansas.

The Smith's had Christmas on New Year's Day so the whole family could be together. They were so kind and included us in the fun. They made us feel so welcomed and loved and not in the way at all (although I know 6 extra people can REALLY get in the way.) Did I mention, the VERY BEST People live in AR?

Maya, in the Smith's back yard practicing fishing. They love it here with that fun lake right in the back yard and the Smith's new boat!

Christmas Morning (a.k.a. New year's day!)

It was such a fun weekend, I just wish I hadn't been sick the whole time. It was great to go to church and see so many old friends. You don't realize what you have until you move away and miss them all. I just wish they would all come here and live.

*Disclaimer: I know I will have family members commenting on how I think that these people in AR are the very best people and how I made no mention of them. So, to keep from getting hate mail, I have to add the VERY BEST FAMILY live in CA, AZ, UT, CO, (and anywhere else I've missed.) Love you all!