Neighborhood Rally for the Joplin Muslim Community

Saturday evening marked three weeks since the Joplin Islamic Mosque was burned. The Joplin community rallied behind the Muslims by helping to raise over $400,000 and by showing support in a rally sponsored by Ozark Christian College and the Joplin faith-based community. While it had rained most of the day, hundreds of people came out to show their support. I am thankful that we were able to participate in the event but saddened that such an event was necessary. To donate to the rebuilding effort: http://www.indiegogo.com/joplinmosqueofficial

Pittsburg Kiddieland

One of our favorite places in the summer is Kiddieland in Pittsburg, Kansas. We figure we may have one more summer before Alex is no longer interested in the kiddie rides, but right now, it is awesome! Most of the rides are restored from the original 1950s Kiddieland. 

Boys on the River

Uncle Alan and Uncle Chris took the boys out on the river for some wild exploring!

Sunset in Eureka Springs

Quigley Castle, Eureka Springs

Quigley Castle, just south of Eureka Springs, was constructed by Elise Quigley and her family in the 1930s and 1940s from rocks that she collected throughout her life. She built it around 28 huge windows with an indoor garden with trees, rocks, minerals, and butterflies throughout. Until her death in the 1980s, she continued constructing beautiful artwork out of rock and crystals, creating an amazing perennial garden. Definitely unique and a cool side trip from Eureka! It reminds me of something that my great grandmother, Grey Granny, would have loved.

Crazy Boys in Eureka Springs!

Hanging out at the Beach House

We had an amazing time this week relaxing at Kathy and Mark's lake house at Table Rock Lake. We needed the time so much to just relax and enjoy each other. We swam at the lake several days, enjoyed the Shanghai Acrobats in Branson (in Alex's words, it was AWESOME), spent time in Eureka, Rogers, and Holiday Island, and LOVED being away from Internet and cell phones!

YIKES!!!! Having a little fun!

With his new friend: Brady Bed Ben Bear (yes, Alex named him)

Telling me a story on the deck

Fish face!

Beaver Lake and Holiday Island

Riding the Train--Northwest Arkansas and Eureka Springs Railroad

During our week around Eagle Rock and Table Rock Lake, we spent an afternoon riding a train on the Northwest Arkansas Eureka Springs Railroad. On the ride, we stopped to make penny slugs on the track. Alex got to "drive" the train and blare the whistle. It was a beautiful train and we hope to go back some day. He wants Papa to make slugs with him!