Harvey Jones was an important businessman in the state of Arkansas. He started a delivery business with a mule team and a wagon when he was 18 years-old, and over the course of a lifetime built the largest trucking company in the country, The Jones Truck Line. He and his wife, Bernice, were community minded and loved supporting children and young families.
Last weekend the weather was absolutely perfect! When we woke up on Saturday, we packed a cooler and a picnic lunch and headed out on a day trip to Devil’s Den State Park. We hiked the Devil’s Den trail. The last time we took this particular trail our son was in a backpack carrier. Even though he is only 3 and 1/2, he is extremely athletic. He loved this 1.5 mile trail through the Ozark Mountains.
We took an impromptu day trip to Eureka Springs last weekend. It is our number one day trip destination. I remember the first time my husband and I decided to drive over together. I remember the exact place we were sitting that night when I realized that I was in love with him. We got married there a few months later.
Every trip we take to Eureka is different and we stop in different places on the way. This trip had two phases.
Northwest Arkansas has so many great attractions and new ones are on the horizon, but we don’t have a zoo. We do have a couple exotic animal habitats that my family frequent and will be featured on here at some point. Some of my friends who relocated here from other parts of the country have mentioned to me that they really miss having a zoo handy. The closest zoo is in Tulsa, OK which is only two hours away. That is just a hop, skip, and a jump away!
I got an overwhelming response to our family adventure to Terra Studios, so I wanted to share with you another time when I allowed my children to dress up and explore another local attraction. Nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, AR is a lovely city park called Wilson Park . I remember visiting this park and exploring the castle in the late 90’s with my brother who was living here at the time. I also visited the park on my second date with my now husband. It is full of happy memories for me.
One day last summer, I loaded up the kids and packed several costumes in the car. I allowed them to change and have a dramatic play time on the grounds; following behind with my camera.
Last time we had coffee, I told you about what my husband and I are doing for Advent. Some have asked me what we are doing with our kids for Advent. Well, we have fun of course! I mean we are getting ready to celebrate a big birthday, right? It doesn’t have to be all somber and quiet reflection! It’s a party!
This is a month of intentional thanksgiving. We each have our own traditions…our favorite dishes…family gatherings. One new tradition in our family this year is to count our blessing all month long.