A Few of My Favorite Things in Arkansas

Aldi - 

Every time I walk into the store it takes me back to Germany.  I smile every time I put a quarter in to get my cart (which I find very humorous because it always made me so flustered whenever I had to scrounge around for a Euro in Germany).  I love the randomness of the non food items, the normal sized shopping carts with 2 spots for kids to sit, the occasional German food, and the incredibly low prices.  It's like getting a little slice of Germany whenever we go.

Bike Trails -

They are amazing here.  Amazing.  I love how they link up and go through parks.  Love it. 

Curls-

The humidity has several negative side effects, but I LOVE the curl it puts in the girls' hair.  My hair, on the other hand, is more of a frizzy mess....but it gives me an excuse not to do it.  And the girls look so darn cute.  And it covers up the bad haircuts I've given them - double bonus.

People-

They are so stinking friendly.  I love it.  The people have high moral values, in general, and are so kid friendly.

How?

She went from this on the first day of Kindergarten

 to this on the last day of Kindergarten.

How did it happen?  How has it been an entire school year?  How do we have a 1st grader?  That's entering into the 'real' school category.  What is happening?!!

Memorial Day Hike

We went for our annual hike this Memorial Day.  We were talking about the hikes we've done in the past and Hannah thought it was pretty awesome we do a hike on the same day every year.  

Our 'hike' was really a very short walk along a trail at a nearby state park.  It was about 15 minutes. The kids seamed pretty happy about it because we played at the playground afterwards. We managed to do another little walk before we left.

Birthday Boy

James turned 38!!

We had some pretty simple birthday celebrations. We surprised James by bringing him lunch at his work.  I hadn't planned on this but when I saw his lunch (a banana, I think) I decided he needed a little more than that. For dinner we picked up a pizza and had a picnic at a nearby park.  We came home for cake and ice cream.

The girls insisted on using these mini oreos to top his cake instead of candles.  In case you can't read it is supposed to be a '38' (it was a little tricky considering they don't really give you that many oreos in those tiny little bags of oreos!!) We managed to find room for a candle in the middle.

He had plenty of help blowing out his candles.  At first the girls blew it out for him.  So, we sang to him again.  That time TJ took care of the candle!!

I feel like the birthday celebrations were a little lame.  I'm not sure if it's because we've had so many celebrations going on (my bday, our 10th anniversary, mothers' day, james bday, etc...) that my creative juices have dried up or if I'm just tired from moving prep, but I am tired.  And I feel like James' got a little gypped.  But, he did get a LOT of streamers.....just wish I'd have gotten a picture with them.

10 Years

Time is a funny thing.  I can't even remember what it was like being single, yet I have a hard time believing we've really been married that long.  Does that make sense?

We've had a lot of crazy adventures over the past 10 years:

* 2 years in Thailand for Peace Corps

* LA for the a Doctorate

* Turkey with 3 kids

* 3 kids (that's an adventure all on its own)

* Arkansas for a 'real' job

* More pit stops in Utah than I can count

We may not have a lot of stuff to show for our time together, but we've had some amazing experiences.  We've learned a lot.  Laughed most of the time.  Cried occasionally (ok, maybe just me - but I am a girl!  We're entitled once in a while, right?!). Given the silent treatment from time to time.  

It hasn't been an easy journey, but it's been so good to do it together. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather share the adventure with.  Here's to the next 10 years...

Botanical Gardens

We had some nice weather a few weeks ago and went to the Botanical Gardens.  They're open for free on Saturdays and we've been meaning to do it, but it has taken us forever to get around to it. Why are things always that way?

Anyway, we made it and had fun.  Except for our visit to the chicken coop.  Apparently TJ is scared of the chickens.....

the picture doesn't really do it justice.  His eyes were red and puffy because he would cry/scream if you took him near them!  

However everyone was happy when we went into the Children's garden.

It was fun.  Too bad it has taken us 8 months to visit!