Arkansas/Fourth of July

Two days after my surgery, we went to the doctor for a quick post op check, then we were headed to Lake Norfork in Arkansas. Ryan and his family came from that area, and they gather there every year for the Fourth of July. It was a chance for us to not travel so far and be able to see Sara, Ryan, Emery and Hailey, as well as join in their celebrations. We had a blast! The only regret is that I could not get in the water due to my stitches, but I enjoyed hanging out on the dock, visiting and watching everyone else have fun. Ryan's mom, Nancy, had head cook duty, but I helped when I could. She did a wonderful job keeping us well fed! Here's Mark and me waiting for dinner outside in the picnic area.

The Many Faces of Emery

Of course, when I'm with Emery, it is non stop picture taking. She's so fun to photograph!! She doesn't do the typical thumb sucking baby thing, but tries to stuff her entire hand into her mouth. I think if she keeps it up, she will soon be successful!

Sara had this same pouty expression as a baby. It came from her paternal great grandmother, Mattie Horne, and seems to be carrying through for several generations.

Emery also inherited excessive drooliness from her mom and uncle. I'm not sure which side of the family that came from, but she (and they) always had a trail of drool behind them. Here's a picture of her in action.Emery loves to be entertained!

Peaceful baby sleeping. She is an expert sleeper!

After the first day on the dock, Mark and Ryan got bath duty. Emery didn't seem to mind the kitchen sink at all!

We then headed to Fred's, the local catfish eatery. Gotta have catfish while in Arkansas, and Fred's is a great place to get it!The second day on the lake, we got a boat ride. Lake Norfork is a beautiful lake, run by the Corp of Engineers, which limit development on the lake. Lots of great shoreline, unblemished by houses, docks and people.

While on the boat ride, we went to the bluffs, a favorite jumping spot. Mark promised to jump, but thankfully Troy and Ryan decided to join him. I was pretty sure he was safe, but felt better that they were in the water to rescue him if not!

Before the jump...its a long way down!!Ryan first....

Then Troy....

Last but not least...Mark. This was one moment I was thankful for the stitches, as Mark would have tried to get me up there as well otherwise!

A jubilant Mark after getting back safely in the boat.

The rest of our time was spent just hanging out on the dock.

Here we are with Ryan's parents, Donny and Nancy. I can't think of two better people to share a grandchild with!

Emery making friends with her second cousin, Allie.

Emery really enjoyed being in the water. Nancy enjoyed being in there with her!

Poor Hailey wasn't allowed on the boat dock. She did a great job of spending her time in her momma's car, peacefully content. Ryan and Sara let her out often to swim, and she enjoyed her time in the water.

There was quite a fireworks show put on the evening of the Fourth. All the guys get together and buy out the local fireworks store, then they put on the show. It was better than the city fireworks we had driven to the night before!