Kansas – the Land of Ahhh's. So wonderful to spend time with all my inlaws and grandkids. We got to celebrate 4 family bdays during the 3 weeks we were there, met a brand new great-niece – Abby -- and met a nephew's new bride, Shannon! We camped some with Doug, Sheila, and Heather Louise!
Ah -- “back home, in Arkansas”..... I had no idea how much I missed Arkansas until we got back into it! Since I lived in Arkansas the first 20 plus years of my life, it really does feel like I'm back home. It's beautiful, cozy, and there are no language barriers for me. Got to camp 2 weeks with Jerri and George. Rec'd a text from my first nephew – Jakeb – that he got engaged to Lacey, and met a new great-nephew-most-likely-to-be, Ethan – Laci's foster son.
More info in the travelog below:
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| The mtns surrounding Creede, CO |
9-19-10: After a nice breakfast with Ann and David, we sadly departed Creede. Yep, I could live in Creede! Spent tonite in Lamar, CO. Small world – we parked right next to a couple we'd met at Creede: one of David's golfing buddies. Near Lamar, we saw a lot of farmland with signs that read “Not For Sale to Army”. Had to google that one!
9-20-10: Welp, I finally drove the rig!!!! I figured I could prob do it for about an hour. But after 15 minutes I handed the wheel back over to David. I'll try it again sometime, gotta get comfortable with that. But it was pretty windy and made me a little nervous. But I have that first time behind me! Haha.
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| Avery |
Got set up at El Dorado State Park in Kansas and immediately went to see Justin and family. The grandsons are such a blast and such a blessing! They are 2 and 3 now and are growing and changing at a rapid rate. And of course, they are the smartest kids in the world! The new granddog (Great Dane) is soooo sweet! The boys have a map of the USA in their room and are marking the spots we visit. We both thought that was cool – and a great learning tool.
9-23-10: We had some fun family time with my David's brother, Doug and family this weekend as they set up their camper next door to us. Loved getting to hang out with them!
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| Heather Louise |
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| Uncle Bug, Dodger, and Asher at EDSP |
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| Asher studying the situation |
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| Andrew heading down the slide |
9-26-10: Remember the whistling preacher I wrote about in Creede? Well, we had another whistler today at Justin's little church. A boy, prob around 8 or 9, sat on the front row and whistled to “At the Cross”. Not really part of the program. Sooo funny and actually pretty good! Got to hear Brooke, our daughter-in-law, sing a solo:“In Remembrance”. And learned that Justin is about to become a deacon. We're pretty happy about that.
9-28-11: Celebrated Justin's 28th at Red Lobster with him, Brooke, and the boys. Our kids are sure getting old!!
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| The Dam Hill |
9-29-10: David and I walked all the campground loops and also up the dam hill. Great walk! My hiking stick came in handy, once again.
9-30-10: We played 18 holes at Andover. Short course, great weather, and fun day! I think Kansas wind may be helpful to my game. If I'm hitting with it and not against it.
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| EDSP Trail |
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| Me and Pippa |
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| The McClintock's at Prairie Rose Chuckwagon |
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| Mac's 80th |
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| Dan and Abby |
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| Chowing down |
10-2-10: David and I walked the bike path into town and back. Got a pic by Pippa – she inspired me. LOL. Celebrated my father-in-law's (Mac) 80th bday tonite with a surprise party at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon. His kids and grandkids came in from all over to share this night with him. The McClintock's love to laugh – at each other mostly. What a fun night.
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| I'm driving the wagon! |
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| On the wagon |
I got to “drive” the hay wagon – which was led by two of the widest horses I've ever seen.
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| Justin's stage debut |
Justin dazzled the crowd in a stick horse race against a lady from another group. (see pic).
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| Bryce and Shannon |
We all met Bryce's new wife, Shannon for the first time.
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| Proud Great-Grandpa |
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| Mac, Abby, and Bonnie |
And what a blessing for Mac to get to meet Ryan's and Jen's baby, his new great-granddaughter, Abby, for his 80th bday! I sure missed Wanda, but could definitely feel her spirit there with all the laughter and love.
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| Asher |
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| Andrew |
10-3-10: After church, Justin brought his little family out to the camper. They decided this was the time to try to tent camp with our grandsons. Andrew was so excited. Once the tent was set up he plopped on the bed and said “this is just wonderful!”. And it was. Until about 2:00 a.m. Evidently, he and Asher kinda tag-teamed it on sleeping that night. But once Andrew started complaining of his tummy hurting, they decided to hop in the car and head home. He wasn't kidding. Got sick in the car as they drove away. But....
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| Justin, Brooke, and the boys |
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| Ready to Roll with Grandpa |
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| Asher |
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| Bec and David |
10-4-10: They came back today. We had so much fun riding bikes all over the campground, to Pippa, to the playground,
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| Grandpa and Andrew, Grammy and Asher |
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| Justin, Brooke, and the boys |
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| Justin, Brooke, Asher, Andrew at EDSP in KS |
to take pix by cool trees. They didn't try the overnight thing again.
10-6-10: We played 18 holes in Andover with Tiger Wood (Justin) and Rod. Fun day – the mood was set before the 1st tee box when Rod's bag fell off his cart. We were correct in thinking that might've been a sign. But we really had a blast!
10-8-10: Took Rocky back to vet for bloodwork. HE GOT HIS FIRST SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT! Woohoo. Didn't know dogs got those. He got it for being over 7 yrs old.
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| Linda Sue and Greg |
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| Becky and David |
Played 9 holes with Greg and Linda Sue. Fun!! Ok, I know it's a short course, but I broke 50 and birdied a hole! Been a long time since I've done that! Went to their house for chili and cinnemon rolls. That was a new combo for us. It was yummy!
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| Asher and Brooke |
10-9-10: Celebrated Brooke's 30th today at their church.
10-10-10: Got a text today from Linda W. at 10:10. Get it? 10:10 on 10-10-10. Thx Linda!
David and I started a new game to keep us amused while driving. When you see a sign that says “low shoulder”, ---- you guessed it ---- each dips one shoulder at the same time. I know what you're thinking, but I wasn't the nerd this time! David started it. Which made it even funnier.
10-11-10: Left for Smith Center, KS this morning. Saw miles and miles of stone post fences. I commented on how cool that was, and dang if I didn't find a postcard about it later. Never dreamed it'd be on postcards. Really interesting. (you might google it). Saw a full rainbow at the rv park!
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| Old Dutch Windmill in Smith Center, KS |
10-12-10: Today is Gus' 27th bday and our one-year anniv of hitting the road. Can't believe he's that old and can't believe we've already been fulltiming for a year! We did a little exploring in Smith Center while camper was being serviced. Discovered an old Dutch windmill which was pretty awesome and a neat story with it. Went from there to Topeka through the beautiful Flint Hills. Gorgeous part of Kansas. Saw another brilliant rainbow. In the news: they are beginning to bring the Chilean miners up who've been trapped for 69 days! God is mighty good.
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| Golfing in Topeka |
10-13-10: Played 18 holes in Topeka at a pretty course. Very hilly and lots of water hazards. Really had fun!
10-14-10: Headed to Beaver Lake, Horseshoe Bend, in NW Arkansas today. Took the Military Frontier Scenic Byway. Very nice visitor center on HWY 69 that provides much of the history of that area – near Pleasanton. Ever heard of the Marais des Cygne Massacre? Another sad story of the Civil War Era. Met Jerri and George at Beaver Lake. Beautiful, spacious campground. Great place for bike-riding. Whitetails everywhere. And it feels great to be back home in Arkansas!
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| Becky and Jerri at War Eagle, AR |
10-15-10: Jerri and I went to War Eagle today. Really fun – and crowded! She introduced me to chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick. OMG!
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| Becky and David |
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| Beckky, Rocky, and Jerri at the top of the trail |
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| Jerri and George at Roaring River |
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| Bec at Roaring River |
10-18-10: Went w/ Jerri and George to Cassville/Roaring River State Park. Jerri, Rocky, and I took a short (but steep) hike up the hill above the spring. The temps are pretty warm here. Like 70's. Evidently, AR had a pretty dry summer. The foliage isn't what it usually is.
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| Becky and David at RR |
Although we did see some brilliant maples and hickory trees.
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| Pea Ridge Battlefield |
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| Overlooking the Battlefield at Pea Ridge - AR |
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| Elkhorn Lodge at Pea Ridge |
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| Pea Ridge Battlefield |
Toured Pea Ridge Battlefield. Beautiful spot and lots of history.
Taught them “Panties” tonite – they are in the club now. No George, I do not remember the score.
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| Becky at BSWRSP |
10-20-10: All four of us went to Bull Shoals/White River State Park. Spending a week. Although the foliage is lacking this year, the drive was beautiful thru the Ozarks on 412. Love the Ozarks!!
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| Dam at Bull Shoals |
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| Persimmon Tree at BSWRSP, AR |
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| White River - AR |
10-21-10: Jerri and I went shopping in Bull Shoals and Mtn Home today. I could def live in this neck of the woods!! Stopped at the state park visitor center. Great views. Lots of persimmon trees in the park. White River is a great flyfishing river, too!
10-24-10: David and I visited a Methodist church in Bull Shoals today. We really enjoyed it and felt like kids! Cuz we seriously were the youngest ones there!!! At the park we sat around with the leaves, acorns, and hickory nuts falling like rain. Red-headed woodpeckers galore! I love being in the woods in the Fall!
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| Lacey's and Jakeb's engagement |
10-25-10: Jakeb reenacted his proposal to Lacy today at the drug rally in Texarkana – before hundreds of staff and students. Sooo sweet!!
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| Bec on Big Bluff Trail overlooking White River |
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| The Birds |
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| Jerri, Becky, and Lizzie riverside |
Jerri, Lizzie (her dog), and I took a 1 ½ mile hike today. Went on the Big Bluff Trail to an overlook. Great view of the White River and Bull Shoals Dam. Saw a couple of deer. The buzzards are trying to take over. Today at our campsite, we watched them graze and perch on a tree. And now and then, get flushed out. It was very Hitchcock.
10-26-10: Had breakfast at Gaston's. Really neat atmosphere and right on the White River.
10-27-10: Left Bull Shoals to Hot Springs. Beautiful drive on Hwy 65: Ozarks, Buffalo River,Little Red River, Ouachitas, Kudzu, a little more foliage. Staying at an rv park called Cloud Nine. Nice little spot on top of a hill. The best part about it is that its about 12 miles down the road from my brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Pam. There is also a lady staying here who wintered down in TX at Johnson Creek where we wintered last year. Small world.
10-29-10: Met Laci's little Ethan tonite at supper! What a sweet doll. He's about 1. Can't send a pic yet because he's a foster. But it's very likely she'll get to adopt him. (Plz pray that she does). When they got him they decided he looks like David! And sure 'nuff, he does remind me so much of David's baby pix. And he's from Texarkana. Bill says now they know why David wanted to leave Texarkana. Very funny.
10-30-10: Spent the day at Bill and Pam's wonderful home (on a hill in the woods) and watched the Hogs beat Vanderbilt (or Vanderburg, as Pam calls it). Got to see Ethan dressed up in his turtle costume for Halloween – which was actually a costume for a dog. LOL
10-31-10: Went to church with Bill and Pam, Laci and Ethan. Great little contemporary Church of Christ. Music was powerful! Went to lunch at Mimi's afterward.
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| In LR |
They had a sign outside that said “small plates from $2.99-$6.99. “ At Bill's suggestion, I tried to tell the server I was interested in purchasing some small plates but she didn't seem to know about that deal. Go figure.........
11-1-10: On to TX – Texarkana, that is. Looking forward to spending time with Gus, Edith, Jakeb/Lacey, and all our hometown peeps. Have some get-togethers planned, a “Downhere” concert at FBC, Thanksgiving at Bill and Pam's, and lots of rest and re-connecting. Will stay here most of November.
Will spend December and January in the Hill Country, at Johnson Creek like last year. Any of ya'll going to be in the Hill Country during those months??? Let us hear from you.
Thankful,
Grandpa and Grammy
