Lake House - Eureka Springs, Arkansas

A Mid Week Vacation Report from Branson MO

A welcome site on the 16 truck ride - two sleeping children!

Today is Wednesday and I am sitting on our townhouse balcony overlooking a quaint fountain and flowing river in Branson, Missouri.

It’s been quite a journey since we left Michigan a week ago today, traveling first through St. Louis, a beloved city for me, and onto Litchfield, MO for a stopover before continuing on to Eureka Springs, Arkansas and The Lake House.

The view from the Lake House

The Lake House is near Rogers, Arkansas, where my Aunt Sara grew up. The kids & I were joined by Mom & Dad, Grandma, A. Karen & U. John Greek and U. John Brother & A. Sara. The Lake House overlooked (gasp!) beautiful Beaver Dam Lake.

Each morning, we awoke to steam rising off the water in the distance and, below, the dewy trees waiting for the sun to dry them. The hot chocolate and quiet porch helped me start my day.

Staying there afforded us the opportunity to put the kids to bed early and enjoy an extended family dinner with sweet tomato sauces, pasta & olive oil, fine wine, sourdough bread and Ghirardelli Chocolates. The conversation was welcome, too.

During the day, the whole of us travelled the countryside, visiting the hundreds of craft booths connected with the War Eagle Fair, a brilliant fair of talented people selling their wares and creations. It was the most unique art fair I’ve ever attended and I am so thankful we were able to visit.

On our way out of the state on Saturday, we drove through the most charming village of Eureka Springs, AK. A triangular building on a corner brought back memories from England and all the adorable shops along the street transformed a person back in time to another era of living. The train station nestled in the deep ravine and wooded area added a touch of the turn of the century to the town. It’s the only town in America in which all the downtown buildings are listed on the National Historic Registry.

Branson Scenic Railway - On the tressel

We arrived in Branson later that day and eagerly awaited Al’s arrival. He was also bringing Samson and Eden was so excited, she could hardly contain herself. After they arrived, my chauffeurs drove back to the house in Arkansas and The Strawn’s were back together after two weeks apart.

Sunday after church we settled in to our townhouse and read up on the area activities. Lars and Eden played with their daddy and I enjoyed some peace and quiet before supper.

Mom and Dad arrived Monday afternoon and since then, everybody has been able to nap, watch movies and cartoons, take walks, sip drinks, rock on the decks, play on the playground, soak in whirlpool tubs, (WARNING: DO NOT USE BABY SOAP AS BUBBLE BATH WITH JETS. BIG MESS) and generally relax. We’ve yet to try out the indoor pool, but plan to do that shortly after the kids wake up.

Yesterday, we all walked down around the shops at Branson Landing, and we took a two hour train ride into the Ozarks on a vintage train.

Al and I saw “Twelve Irish Tenors” this morning and Dad and Mom are currently enjoying “50’s at the Hop”. After supper, we’re heading back out on the town to see “SIX”, Branson’s hottest new show.

Not sure what the rest of the week will hold, but so far, we’re thankful for the opportunity to get away as a family before the busy church season arrives. More to come…

Dad making apple cider from the crab apples in our backyard and the antique cider mill

"The Colors of Michigan" camping trip

A few random thoughts

This is a short, unofficial, photoless blog. I cannot get my photos downloaded onto my parents computer without much cursing.

This week home has gone quickly, as it usually does when we're busy and having fun.

The weekend was filled with a Halloween Extravaganza camping trip with all the Kenny Clan. Meegan and I and all our kids were in our new camper, on it's virgin voyage to the great outdoors. It was full of hiccups and 'oops, I didn't realize I needed this', but we made it through the weekend and it was great fun, however cold. I do not like cleaning out the sewage tube, though. Definately need to invest in some expensive yucky proof gloves.

Chad and his family were at another site, a few yards away and all their friends camped around them, as well. The whole campground decorated for halloween. There were many decorations and great costumes. Our 40+ clan dressed up as The 101 Dalmations, complete with Horace & Jasper and Cruella Deville. It was great. Glad to have my kid's costumes already done, actually. On Saturday night, all the campers dress up and the road closes to traffic so trick or treating can begin. People get really creative and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

I've also been able to watch the Red Wings begin their season, and even though they lost the first game, I was glad to be a part of Hockey Town once again.

Mom and Dad have worked off and on this week, so I've worked in the gardens, worked on Lars' baby book, made curtains for his room in Nebraska, done a little shopping, played in the sandbox, read a magazine, worked on costumes and generally relaxed.

Grandma, Aunt Janet, Uncle Don & Aunt Helene, Aunt Karen & Uncle John, Meegan & crew, Chad & crew and any other random cousins that got the message will be coming over for a pizza party in a few minutes. Hopefully, the Aleve will kick in soon and I can enjoy the company.

Look for photos next week!~

The Trip home

I write this week's blog while sitting in my old bedroom, still adorned with yellow painted walls and a "Mickey Mouse in the movies" wallpaper border. A very faded Mickey Mouse comforter covers the bed, and the headboard is complete with photos, books and frames that have been there for 12 years or more. Down the hall, my baby sleeps through my little girl's coughing fit as she jumps on the bed. I think the heater is finally working up in this drafty old attic. That, or I'm getting used to 48 degrees while I sleep, sharing a bed with a kicking 3 year old who uses my neck as a foot rest...

The trip home began on Wednesday evening. After confirmation and choir rehearsal, Al and I strapped the kids in their seats and we headed to Denver, to crash at my cousin Lea's new apartment. We were her first visitors, as she had moved in only a day earlier.

On the ride down, we stopped to get supper at a drive thru window. It took 25 mintues to get our food.

After another hour on the road, Eden had a coughing fit that wouldn't end. Then, she puked on her Pooh blankie.

We arrived and found a parking spot in downtown Denver. Just as we were about to trudge everything up to the 8th floor apartment, Al noticed that we had a flat tire. REALLY flat. "Didn't you notice that while you were driving?" Al asked me. "Um, no not really." I replied. It was nearing 11p and the kids were exhausted. Lea, having only lived there 24 hours, really didn't know where a service station was that had air. So, we left the kids with her and headed out to look for air. Thankfully, we didn't have to go far before we located one, we just had to double check we were going in the right direction on all those one way streets.

Lars wailed until well after 1230 a.m.

Alarm went off at 0600. Grab some yogurt and granola bars. Out to the car for a clean diaper. While Lars has his clean shirt and socks on, he pees on his shirt, soaking it, then poops on Lea's new carpet. She rushes him to the bathroom sink and wets some toilet paper to clean him up. As she runs the water over his only pair of socks, I yell, 'socks!' but it's too late. His top and bottom are wet, but I have no time, or clothes, to change the situation. Lea is left to clean the carpet as we run out the door and she walks us out.

Back in the blazer. Full tank of gas. Full tires. Grab the map. Fight the traffic. Arrive at the airport at 0745. Kiss and hug daddy. Explain to Eden that daddy was not flying with us.

Sarah, backpack on back, suitcase in tow, pushing Lars in stroller with bag of food, Eden leashed to stroller with her blankie (wet from last night's sink washing off the puke) and off to stand in line. Check in. Lars is not registered to fly. "Need to see some ID, please." Get the boarding passes and head for the elevator.

Security check point. Picture Mom with screaming baby, sleepy toddler who is still wondering where daddy is, trying to wrestle shoes off, fold down stroller, separate bag of 3oz 'stuff' and baby food and milk for kids from backback, trying to get though in one piece without putting Lars on the nasty floor (I only had to put him on the floor once, thankfully).

Back in the elevator. Down to the train. Ride to Concorse A. Off the train. Back in the elevator. Onto the terminals. Slow as a 3 year old can walk, we make it with 45 minutes to spare.

In the air, Eden waits until they are serving drinks to announce that she needs the potty. Put the drinks on the seats, fold up the tables, off we go down the aisle. Can't get by the cart. Stewardess goes all the way down to the end of the plane so we can get by, spilling her cart over frontwards when she gets to the toilets. Lemons go flying, cups sprawling, and the guy in the last row gets a cold shower of ice water as the lady reaches for the hot pot of coffee. In to the bathroom we go. "I don't have to go now, Mommy." Out of the bathroom, back down the aisle. On the way past the second cart, Lars reaches down and grabs a fresh hot chocolate chip cookie (Midwest, every flight, fresh backed on board!!), screams b/c the chocolate burnt him, and squishes it between his fingers as he smashes it into his mouth. The wet wipes are not even remotely available at this moment and we sit down back at our seats, where we are sequestered for the remainder of the flight.

Milwaukee airport, three hour lay over. Playground area with a family bathroom, yeah!!!! Eden rushes in to the bathroom several times of the next three hours. Her tummy hurts. Lars has pooped down his jeans to his now-almost-dry socks. Everybody falls asleep minutes before we board the next plane. What a relief. Then, I hear my name over the loudspeaker. An item is lost and will be at the information center outside of the security checkpoint. I decide that nothing I have is worth going back through security for. That's when I discover that our boarding passes are missing. Plus, I have two sleeping bodies. This day is getting longer. After much panic and running around, we board plane #2. We all sleep.

Getting off in Flint, Lars is sitting on the seat while I stand up. He tips over and hits his head on the arm rest. Screaming, he clings to me and I can't get the bag out from under the seat. Our neighbor man helps me get it out and wheels it up the jetway. Eden, still sleepy, rides in teh stroller as I pull the backpack behind it, going uphill on the jetway, Lars still yelling in my ear. At the airport, Eden gets out of the stroller so I can put Lars in it, and walks directly into a support beam, smashing her nose and crying for about 10 minutes.

Finally, Grandma and Papa are at the end of the security exit and greet us warmly. Well, as warmly as you can when it's 41 degrees and raining outside. We head to Lapeer for a supper at The Villa (my favorite). After supper, Eden goes to the bathroom and throws up two pieces of pizza all over. Lovely. We get home, there's no heat upstairs. Huh. Think it's broken. Eden continues to throw up the rest of the night and again after breakfast.

Mom wants to know when I'll fly home again. I told her I'd get back to her on that one.

The rest of the week has been wonderful and relaxing. I'm watching the Red Wings pre-season games and working on cleaning out my mom's gardens. Eden has been playing with her cousins. We went to Pastor and Carol Kaiser's house this afternoon for a boat ride to see the fall colors on the water. The kids were in snowsuits and lifejackets, it was so funny and we had a splendid time. Eden stayed at Meegan's today and when she got tired, she crawled in the playpen and fell asleep. We've been to Grandma Great's house and cut bittersweet from the greenhouse. We drove out to the amish store in the country and bought six bushel of apples to make applesauce, and a box of spices to take back to Nebraska. It's colder here compared to the west, only made it to 50 today after church.

Don't know what tomorrow brings, just hope it's as relaxing as the weekend was!