Road Trip to Arkansas

Two weeks ago tomorrow, Jason's 27 year old cousin, Ryan White, died in a one car accident. It was very sad, but because Ryan had a relationship with Jesus, we know for sure he will spend the rest of eternity with Him in heaven.

We left early that Wednesday morning for the 12 hour drive to Hot Springs, Arkansas where Jason's aunt and uncle live.

Cashed out in the hotel bed the night we arrived. (Don't worry . . . he doesn't roll around at all. He is almost walking, but doesn't roll or crawl...weird!)
Abram made lots of new friends.And loved playing with his new toy from Grandma Rhonda.

He got to spend lots of time with Grandma Rhonda and Aunt Karen.Grandpa Tom even drove up from Dallas to see us!

Sonic for everyone! We loved the time we got to spend with Jesse and Ellie, Jason's cousins who live in Mediapolis, Iowa.

More fun with Grandma and Karen at the visitation.

Did I mention Abram made lots of new friends? Ms. Amy was his favorite, I think!

Jason's uncle Tommy . . . Ryan's dad.

The three siblings.

Hanging out with Dad in the hotel.

Definitely a favorite photo! Lots of sleeping in the car.

Another favorite . . . I love the look on his face!
Of course he would rather be outside the car seat than in it.

Having fun with Grandma and Ellie.Saying goodbye to Uncle Tommy before we left to come back home.

California: Day 5

Just chillin' in the hotel lobby this morning.Here is one more example of the poshness of this hotel. They have bouqets all over the hotel and change them out almost every day. This one is so unique - I love it!

In between rain showers, I decided to take a walk down to Balboa Island.

I tried to catch a glimpse of the incredible quaintness of this little main street. The picture doesn't do it justice.

This is my favorite place to walk (or run in previous years) . . . alongside all of the cute California island homes.

This is one of my favs!

Abram loved every minute of it! On the way back home he had to readjust his grip for the uphill ride!

Our one hour and 20 minute walk wore the little guy out!

Tonight was the ALS Walk Awards Dinner (at the hotel). They make it a really fun, themed event each year. This year the theme was . . .

The 70's! The only word to describe this outfit is OBNOXIOUS! I cracked up every time I looked at him.

Abram and I went to the dinner, but it started at 7:00p -which is bedtime - so I had one sleepy little boy on my hands. Abram is not really a snuggler normally, so I loved every minute of it.

Oh my. A crazy husband and an even sleepier boy.

Abram finally fell alseep and he slept during a lot of the dinner. Two solid hours of snuggling with my little guy might just be my favorite part of the trip!

California: Day 4

On Thursday Abram and I hung out in our hotel room most of the day. I didn't mind because I've been working on my 2009 digital photo album (picaboo.com - I love it!). If he is not in the stroller, he wants to be standing up. We did take a few strolls around the hotel. First, to the deck off of Starbucks on the back side of the hotel (did I mention there is a Starbucks IN the hotel? Um . . . Yeah.) Abram's arms were a-flappin'!This is where we would have hung out if the sun would have shined at any point during our trip!

Then we circled the driveway in front of the hotel . . . And checked out the water fountain (which you can't really see), the plants and palm trees.

One happy camper!

After Jason's meetings, we walked across the street, through the really nice outdoor mall to eat dinner . . .

At another one of our other favorite places to eat when we are here: Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. I am confident that my mom and sister (and any others who don't like sushi) will think this looks absolutely disgusting. But, take it from this sushi-lover: it was fabulous!

Of course Abram did not eat sushi, but he did get to eat his puffs with chopsticks!

California: Day 3

Abram was ready for rainy Day Three. We rented a car on Wednesday and drove south a little bit to Laguna Beach. It is a gorgeous drive along the ocean. We ate lunch at a Thai restaurant (yum!) and drove around the town to look at all the posh houses. Seriously, Laguna Beach is probably the most hoity-toity place I have ever seen in my life!

This might be my favorite picture of the whole trip! Many houses have this view of the ocean. Can you even imagine?

We drove back up to the Huntington Beach Area to another mall. Abram slept the whole way. He has been such a great little traveler. Since it was raining, going to a mall was one of the only things we could do. But, I got to look around at a super fun kitchen store, an awesome paper store and Crate & Barrell, so I was happy.

We had to walk outside for a bit and we all got wet (after losing his cute little baseball cap). But, the little man loved it. As long as he is piloting his ship of a stroller, he is happy!

Jason's meetings started today, so I've just been hanging out in the hotel room, with our one day of internet connection (most likely). I take Abram for strolls through the hotel every now and then. It is very large, so there is a lot of space to walk around. He flaps his arms at everyone he sees! He is currently napping in the closet of our hotel room. Fortunately this closet is bigger than the one in Texas. He fits perfect!

California: Day 2

Day two began with lunch at our very favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant on Balboa Island (just a few minutes from our hotel). We have eaten at this place every year we have been here. It started raining so we got in the car and drove to the Huntington Beach Mall, where we enjoyed a Pinkberry. It is yogurt (Jason got pomegranate and I got coconut) with as many toppings as you want. A very California kind of place.

I think Abram preferred eating the table over the yogurt.

The yogurt was a little bit tangy!

Then, we drove to the Huntington Beach Pier and walked all the way out on it. It was really windy and cool, but very worth it. I think the highlight of Abram's whole trip is getting to ride in the stroller, facing the world. Especially since he can barely touch his feet on the foot rest...it is almost like he is standing up. He LOVED being outside. His hair was blowing straight up in the air and his arms were flapping in the wind. It was adorable.

Ah, the waves.

Even though the weather wasn't great, seeing the ocean and the amazing waves were worth the trip!

We then drove back to Balboa Island and walked out to a place called, "The Wedge," which is known for really big waves.

It was crazy windy, but so amazing!

We watched this boogie-boarder ride a big wave all the way in.

We stopped on a park bench and fed Abram while he watched the pigeons.More evidence of Abram's love of riding in the stroller.We ended the night eating Chinese delivery at our hotel with Josh and Rochelle Beck. It was so great to see them!

Goodnight.