Fall in Arkansas

We have been really enjoying the beautiful weather outside these last few weeks. When there is nice weather you stay outside as long as possible and soak it up. We have enjoyed going to the Arkansas History Museum, hiking Petit Jean, going to the first Trader Joe in Arkansas' Grand Opening, going to the zoo, visiting the historic Central High School where the Little Rock Nine first integrated, the Old Court House, Mason and Stanley's first basketball camp, Maumelle Park, and other fun things. Forgive all of the pictures in advance :). They are also a little out of order.

Arkansas History Museum children's section

Old Court House of Arkansas

Children's section of the old Court House

She was all ready to do a tap dance for us :)

Famous donuts here in Arkansas

The famous Central High School National Park Museum

basketball camp for Mason and Stanley

holding a baby kangaroo at a recent birthday party we got to go to

yes yes, those are lemurs in Arkansas. I know, confusing, right?

kangaroos, and lemurs, and parrots, oh my!

Lizzie continues her obsession with dogs

and swings

feeding the camel

and turkeys. it's a full time job ;)

Mason's 'Limeade' stand dedicated to reducing poverty. He was able to donate a beehive due to the proceeds here. So proud of that boy!

Here you see Lizzie sneaking a quick drink while the others are busy advertising ;)

pumpkin patch season with friends

playing catch in the park

"cheese!"

trying to find a way to get into the dog park

Hiking Petit Jean with our good friends here

The cutest supporters at my half marathon

The best seeing these faces at the finish line. I admit I couldn't hold back the tears. I love them so much. For some reason, races always make me so emotional!

the best little helper watering our herb plants 

two airmen and a baby

Mason gained some shooting skills this last basketball camp

Arkansas History Museum

loved having Mason and Stanley put on a puppet show for us

corn at the pumpkin patch

catch again :)

picnic at Maumelle Park

Lucky to ever keep clothes on this girl

Our latest adventures

A new chapter in our family has begun. Mason started school this last month. He has loved it, and has made new friends and learned new things. It was a transition at first of course, and sometimes he wishes they taught more math and science, but his teachers love him and he loves them too. He is always coming home with awards for good behavior and listening. Not a surprise there. He is such a great kid. We're very proud of him in case you couldn't tell :). We enjoyed our flexibility to travel while we did homeschool and lived that up, but now we are on a schedule which is good too. Mason is learning to listen to other teachers and make new friends. I think he is a good influence, and he is also able to meet people from different backgrounds and gain new perspective in life which we also find extremely valuable.

We have enjoyed playing tennis at night after dinner (and I can't keep Lizzie off the court). Mason and Stanley have made progress with the best coach I can think of, their Dad. They also enjoyed participating in a kids race on base, and Stanley came out with first place (actually he was the only 5 year old who even finished the half mile race - kind of long I thought for that age in that heat) :), with his Daddy at his side. Mason competed in a 1 mile race and came out near the top as well. I was so proud of them both for running their best and finishing the race. That is what matters to me. We have been so blessed this year with good health until this week (school starting - sickness spreads). Mason and Stanley have also been helping take care of animals in the neighborhood and trying to earn some money for college :). We love all of our friends here and feel very blessed to be surrounded by such good people.