Time with Friends and Cousins

The last week of September we were able to spend a few days in Springdale with Wade's parents. His sister, Janna, and her two kids, Josh and Rachel, also traveled to Springdale from Colorado so that we could all have a few days to spend together. Janna and her husband, Jason, had just recently moved to Colorado to become church planters there. We were so excited for their new place of service, but also somewhat sad because it meant our time together would be much less than if they were still in Arkansas.

So we were so thankful that we had these few days together in September. The weather was just beautiful! The kids were able to play outside at Mamaw and Papaw's and have a total blast being together.

We spent one afternoon at a local park playing with some other friends. Here Carly and Caleb are pictured with Rachel, Josh, Riley and Payton.

Caleb with his new friend, Katie Beth

Caleb and Rachel enjoying some playtime on Papaw's tractor.

And a trip to Mamaw and Papaw's isn't complete unless we go fishing at Murphy Park! Here Carly shows off her first catch!

Caleb had the biggest catch of the day!

(Needless to say, we ordered pizza for dinner!)

Rachel and Carly

This isn't the greatest picture of the kids, but it's the only one with all 4 of them together with Papaw!

Faulkner County Fair Parade

As a kid, one of the highlights of the year was going to the Faulkner County Fair Parade every fall. I'm not sure if the excitement came from the parade itself or just the fact that school was dismissed early on parade day! Either way, I can vividly remember the whole experience. The Fair Parade signaled the beginning of fall, despite what the thermometer read. A night at the fair consisted of cotton candy, corn dogs, caramel apples, and riding rides until we were sick!

We weren't able to take Carly and Caleb to the fair itself, but we were able to see the parade. It was so much fun to re-live all those memories through the eyes of my kids! I guess this was Caleb's first American parade, or at least the first one he can remember.

The 2005 parade was themed around our soldiers and military.



The man here dressed as Uncle Sam was the Grand Marshall of the parade. For years, this man has walked on stilts in the parade, dressed as Uncle Sam. I can't remember a year he didn't walk! As a kid who grew up watching him, I was glad to see him being honored in this way.

I explained to the kids that the horse without it's rider symbolized the lost and/or fallen soldiers.

Caleb wasn't too fond of the sirens on the fire truck!!

However, the bands weren't so bad.

(I think he was impressed with the big, shiny tubas! That's something you just don't see in the Philippines.)

We were glad we got to go to the parade with our friend, Noah. (I think I told them to say "Cheese" and Noah was still on the "Ch" of "cheese!")

This float was from Noah's school - also the school where Wade used to teach.

This float was from Sallie Cone Elementary School, where I attend from 2nd - 5th grades.

Conway High School Marching Band

I think Caleb's favorite moment of the parade was when Ronald McDonald waved at him. Since he's seen the REAL Ronald McDonald in the Philippines, I'm sure he was wondering how Ronald made it all the way to Conway!!

Papaw also got to go to the parade with us.

Caleb was so excited and kept saying, "LOOK PAPAW!!"

You always know the parade is over when you see the horses!

Caleb didn't mind the sight of the horses...only the smell!!

Razorback Game and Northwest Arkansas

The second weekend of September marked our official start of furlough. In other words, we hit the road! Our first appointment was the BMA of the Ozarks meeting of Friday night. And the next day we were able to attend a Razorback game with Wade's dad and also my parents. Unfortunately, the Hogs lost, but it was a blast for us to just be there!

Two serious Razorback fans!

(The apple doesn't fall far, does it?!)

Before the game, we were able to meet my Uncle Tim, Aunt Phyllis and cousin Jordan at AQ Chicken House in Fayetteville.

One of the churches we visited

It didn't take long for Caleb to get the hang of furlough!
(Check out his hair!)

One of our supporting churches - Calvary, Fayetteville

Conway Fun Park

On Labor Day weekend, we got to go to the Conway Fun Park with some folks from Antioch Baptist Church. This was the first time the kids had ever ridden go carts!

Carly and Caleb with good friend, Noah