Sunday, October 3, 2010

Family Days in Little Rock, AR

After we returned from a great trip to Canada, we had to kick things into high gear for the move to Japan.  Ryan and I were so thankful that my parents (AKA, Nana and Poppy) drove all the way from Rock Hill, SC to Little Rock, AR to be with us for a week.  It was such a huge help to have them with us to keep Matthew entertained while we sorted, packed and cleaned.  Of course, we took some time out to do a little sightseeing and enjoy the beautiful (but very hot) Arkansas weather. 

There is a playground on Little Rock Air Force Base, where we lived, that has a wonderful tree coverage and is right near the base lake.  The playground is the perfect size for Matthew, so we decided to go there one afternoon to play and then feed the ducks.  The weather could not have been more beautiful.  Of course, it was hot and humid, but it was a great summer afternoon!

Matthew loves the bucket swing!

Nana was brave and took Matthew down the slide!

Nana and Matthew had so much fun, they decided to go down together again!

The slide looked like so much fun, I had to give it a try too!

Matthew and Nana walking across the bridge - below is a small creek that leads into the bigger base lake.

Poppy helping Matthew climb the slide backwards!

Poppy decided to give the big slide a try too!  The slide was a hit for everyone!

Once we finished playing at the playground, we went over to feed the ducks.  It took them no time to greet us once they saw the big bag of bread we had for them!

Matthew had so much fun watching them!  We had to make sure they stayed in the water (they were not afraid) or else they would have been eye-to-eye with Matthew!

After a long day at the park and feeding the ducks, we went home for a nice dinner.  Matthew had his bath and got ready for bed, so Nana sat with him on the couch to read some bedtime stories.  So sweet!



There is a Trolley that runs through downtown Little Rock, and you can ride for $1 per person.  We thought Matthew would love riding the trolley since he loves trains, and it was also a great way for us to show my parents the city. 
Nana, Matthew and Poppy walking to the Trolley stop.

Poppy showing Matthew the Trolley as it approached to pick us up.

Happy to be riding the air conditioned Trolley!

Matthew was so happy snuggled on the bench with Nana!

Matthew taking time to snuggle with Poppy too!

We're having fun!

After an exciting afternoon downtown Little Rock, we decided to go on an adventure and find the famous "Hubcap Burgers" at a local restaurant called, Cotham's.  I have to admit, when we drove up I was a bit hesitant about going inside.  The place honestly looked like it was about to cave into the swamp it was sitting on.  If I hadn't heard first-hand that these burgers were amazing, then I may have suggested we find another location for lunch!  I'm glad we stayed because the food was amazing once you got past the look of the location!

Sitting on the front porch waiting for a table.




Dad and Ryan were the only ones brave enough to eat the Hubcap burger -- look how big that thing is and they both ate the entire thing!!

Mom and I after our very filling (but very yummy) lunch!

Can you spot Poppy in the background trying to get Matthew to smile.

I still can't believe we ate here!  It looks like it is about to fall apart!

This is the side view...glad we survived!

 Sadly, our week together came to an end so quickly and it was very hard to say our goodbyes.  Our time together was wonderful and I feel so blessed that they were able to come visit before we left for Japan.  It really meant so much.  I obviously cried like a baby when they drove away, but had a peace in my heart from God that I know we are meant to be in Japan - even if we are half a world away.  So, thank you, Mom and Dad, for taking the time to drive 15+ hours to see us!  You don't know how much it meant to us that you had some quality time with Matthew and with us.  We love you and can't wait for you to come visit us in Japan!

Matthew with Nana and Poppy before they headed back to Rock Hill, SC.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  - Proverbs 3:5-6

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