This stone bridge is one of Arkansas' many natural pieces of art. We had to go down an incredibly steep, narrow road out of the way of our destination, but it was cool. I didn't know my home state had such creations.
We finally arrived at our rustic cabin in the Ozarks of Arkansas. My two nieces came with our family on our little adventure in Northern Arkansas. It was so great to have them with us. They were so fun. We stayed in a cabin built by the CCC in the 1930's. It was very quaint, but perhaps a little too rustic with the nest of red wasps and moldy shower. It was a stay to remember!
We were right by the Buffalo National River. It was so beautiful. If we didn't have so many little ones, we would have floated down it. Maybe next time.
We just couldn't resist a quick, cool swim. We were just going to skip rocks, but the water was too inviting. Who needs swimsuits when you have jean cut offs?
Wesley had a blast playing with the little fish by his feet with his stick. He didn't care his diaper was to his knees. He was just happy being a good ole boy.
As much fun as that was, we all had to take a bath after our "bath" in nature.
The next day, we headed to Arkansas' amazing caves. I had been before, but I couldn't wait to show my family the incredible hand of God in our neck of the woods.
I hope we post more of the pictures we took inside the cave. It truly was breathtaking. We traveled 216 feet down an elevator just to reach the upper level of the cave.
The cave is formed from a spring down the road. We went to see it. It was less impressive than what I thought.
Wesley could have stayed outside all day everyday if we let him. He is all boy. (I think Tyler likes that.)
Then, we were off to the Ozark Folk Center. It is a small village with craftsmen and women working their trades using old fashion equipment. This was Desarae's favorite part of our trip. Here Wesley is making buttons.
Tallin and Rachel loved dying their own candles. It was very fun to see how lucky I am to have modern technology!
Wesley was worn out by this time, and honestly, couldn't care less about candles.
And....he's out! However, the girls could not get enough of the candles. They wanted to do more, but time was ticking.
Rachel's favorite part of our trip was watching this nice lady tell us stories while she made the girls dolls from corn husks. This shop was full of elegant and beautiful dolls that were unbelievably made from simple corn husks. She had fairies and Christmas tree angles, and even Santa Claus. I was speechless in a Tori sort of way.
We saw how wool scarfs went from sheep, through the cleaning machine, to spools, and then woven into clothes.
Classic, right?
Then, we made our way to Kentucky to visit Mae and her new baby. Across the river is Indiana.
So, in total, we traveled through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and saw Indiana. What a trip! It was a fantastic vacation with my little family to visit relatives and see another part of this great country. I can't wait until next year's reunion. Good Luck Dawn!
