Pushing 30

This past weekend was our annual trip to Shepherd of the Ozarks in Arkansas. We go every year for Levi's birthday, a tradition that started when he was 16 by his mom and grandmother. I was invited along for the first time when I was just a Junior in high school and have been Levi's four wheeling partner ever since. Now I would not have ever thought I would be the type of girl that would enjoy a vacation that consisted of mud, bugs, four wheeling, hiking, no makeup, no Internet, no phones, no tv, and no beach, but aside from my home, Shepherd of the Ozarks (SOTO) is my favorite place in the world. I know Levi feels the same way and we both are so grateful that we can share it with our children. Now that the kids accompany us, our regular daily schedule of eat, four wheel for hours, eat, four wheel for hours, eat, sleep has turned into eat, potty, nap, potty, four wheel maybe an hour, potty, eat, potty, nap, potty, play by the creek and maybe four wheel, potty, eat, potty, sleep. We spent a lot more time in our cabin this year than normal, partly due to the wonderfully drizzly weather and partly because we had a 10 month old who was a trooper despite the running nose. I am a little disappointed because I didn't take as many pictures as I normally do on our trips but I was enjoying our time so much that I rarely thought to grab the camera. But I did get a few...





Levi got off to take the picture but all four of us rode on the four wheeler together. In fact, it is one of my favorite parts of the whole trip because I get to just hug and kiss on my family the whole time we are riding.

This is Bufford the buffalo. We are fond of Bufford because we have had past run ins with him before he was put behind a fence. Levi's quick four wheeling skills saved our lives one year when Bufford charged us. All is forgiven though and Jack loves to visit him.

Addie fell asleep on the four wheeler while we were riding. It is pretty obvious that she feels very safe in her Daddy's arms.

We couldn't get her to wake up. She was sound asleep.

There she is starting to open her eyes but still completely relaxed in Daddy's arms.

Jack and Levi played in the cold creek. There are several deep swimming areas with lots of cool rocks to jump from. The boys had lots of fun.

Addie enjoyed picking up the rocks and trying to sneak them into her mouth.

What can I say? This picture was taken by Daddy so I have no idea why Jack is wearing goggles, standing on the table and holding onto the gun light fixture. But it makes for a cute picture.

There is a great little playground there that the kids enjoyed playing on while Levi had to do some four wheeler repairs.

Levi's 82 year old Nannie crossing the creek like a pro.

Last year Jack, Karalu, and Levi started the tradition of Splash Wars. Levi is the champion once again this year. Poor Karalu gets soaked because Jack isn't able to throw very far quite yet and all his splashes end up getting her.

On our last night in Arkansas Addie was apparently attacked by a mosquito and had little red spots all over her face. But once again she was a trooper and it never seemed to faze her.

Just because he's cute.


Happy birthday my love. I feel so honored that you have chosen me to grow old with...and with 30 only being a year away your almost there! ;)