Arkansas Road Trip

This past Thursday, my mom, the girls and myself all headed to the northwest part of Arkansas to visit my cousins and uncle. I was dreading the 6 1/2 hour trip with the 3 girls, but they did pretty good. Much better on the way home because they were exhausted!! Once we got there, the girls were so happy to be out of the car and loved being able to run around and play. They quickly got acquainted with their newest cousin, Olivia, who just turned 2. The rest of the family came over for dinner and with 9 kids, ranging from 17 months old all the way up to a junior in high school, it was very chaotic and loud, but so much fun!! Camden, Claire and Carlyle loved playing with all their cousins, especially since there were so many their age.

Friday morning we got up and had a very lazy day. We spent the night at my cousin Stephanie's house. They have horses, cats and a dog. Camden and Claire were a little leary of the dog, but after a little while, realized she was ok. They loved the cats and were fascinated with the horses. Camden decided she wanted to ride a horse, and she did really well. Claire made it up on the horse before she got scared and wanted down.

Levi, Carlyle and Camden


Camden riding the horse



Carlyle made good friends with Rod and loved sitting in his lap. I think he liked it, too.


Emma Grace and Camden playing on the Wii


Claire's turn



Later that afternoon, two of my cousins and I headed out to find the Duggar's house. The Duggars live in Tonitown and my cousins live in Springdale. The two cities are very close. And, we were successful in our venture. It was a beautiful day so we were sure we'd see kids playing outside, but unfortunately, we didn't. However, if you look closely, you will see tons of bikes all lined up on the front porch.




The building where the film crew sets up to do interviews with the Duggars.


If you watch The Duggars on TV, then you know their oldest son, Josh, has a car dealership in Springdale, Arkansas. My cousin's husband, Rod, works at a car dealership, also. He has seen and even talked to Josh several times at the car auctions. Rod was kind enough to drive me by Josh's car lot. Here are a couple of pictures.



Friday evening we had dinner at my uncle's house with the whole family and Saturday morning everyone met up for my breakfast at my cousin Michelle's house. After the kids played for awhile, we loaded up and headed back to Texas. We had such a fun time and we can't wait to see everyone again, hopefully soon! Camden and Claire have already said they miss their cousins.

The two 4 yr olds having fun! Mallory and Claire


Jack, Camden, Levi, Carlyle, Kenlee, Olivia and Mallory (Claire refused to take a picture and Emma Grace was not there)


Carlyle playing outside. She loved the slide.


Trying for a cousin picture. Notice Claire's head is down. She again refused to look at the camera.


This is about the 15th picture taken, still with Claire's head down.


Finally, after coming inside Claire said she would smile. All the cousins: Jack, Emma Grace holding Olivia, Mallory, Claire, Camden, Kenlee and Levi holding Carlyle


Camden, Kenlee and Levi


Uncle Lonnie holding Mallory and Carlyle