Our flights were uneventful. Well, mostly. I did misplace (just for a sec) my boarding pass which created scrambling and caused us to be the last ones aboard our connecting flight from Mpls to Bville. Whoopsie daisy. Hey, at least I found it. No, not true, either; Tony found it. I realized this as he wildly waved it in the air as I gazed down to the terminal from the coffee shop where I was searching for it. Poor guy. He's used to traveling alone, when flying for work. I think he's going to need some intervention on the way home - like a sedative. I'm kind of like a child.
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| Because scoliosis doesn't take a vacation, and could care less if it's inconvenient to fly... |
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| My scolio cantilever. The only baggage we checked... Yayy.... (??) |
We start our hunt for a home tomorrow, at 9am. Word on the street is that between tomorrow and Tuesday, we will see approximately 31 houses. We'll use the rest of the time to take second looks, or look for others.
We landed around today, around 11am. It was a smoldering 90+ degrees. ;)We were so excited to tool around and see everything we could, in the Bentonville/Rogers area! Tony hadn't been here in about 2 years, and finally, I could see what this place is like!
We first took a drive through some of Bentonville and then into Rogers. We found some of the streets/neighborhoods that we had seen online/some of the houses we'll be seeing. It was fun to check it all out.
Next, we headed toward Tony's workplace - FUN!
And his company car, as promised, was parked in the lot :)
Things are starting to feel pretty real...
Above, is new Amphitheater for live shows - it shares the parking lot with KC. This looks fantastic. Must check out soon.
We had a quick lunch at Jimmy Johns, and then headed out to see the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, which I can't WAIT to take the kids to! We didn't go inside today. We also checked out Pinnacle Hills Shopping District. Noted, that the entire mall is an outside mall. You walk OUTside of the stores from one to the next. Cool. I guess that a when a state does not experience winter for 8 months out of the year, this makes sense...! I took this opportunity to let Ava know that she need not fear! PLENTY of shopping options. ;)
Next, we drove back toward Bentonville, to the birthplace of Walmart. For those unfamiliar, Walmart is Kimberly-Clark's largest customer.
Say whatever you will about Walmart... (I'll say it, too...), but Sam Walton truly lived an absolutely extraordinary life, which was full of a passion that made him successful in so many ways, and that benefited so many others! It was really fun to learn the history of the franchise. Walton's 5-10 is now a museum, dedicated to its history. It was more interesting than I expected!
Sam's office, left much the same as when he died, in 1992.
*Ridiculous Walmart Returns*
"The Customer ALWAYS Comes First!"
Check these out...
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| This outdoor thermometer was returned to a Walmart store when the customer complained it never had the correct time. |
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| Defective merchandise slip for this toy set cites the reason for its return as "fishing pole didn't work - no fish." |
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| According to the defective merchandise slip, this pencil sharpener was returned because it "doesn't sharpen any ink pens." |
After the Walmart museum, we continued north, to Bella Vista. There is a WELS church there, and we will try it out soon. We anticipate choosing the other option, Grace, in Lowell, as it has a school and seems to include more families.
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| Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Bella Vista, AK Ok. So I decided to splurge a little and hit the nail salon for a pedi. Different! The nail tech worked a massage and pedi with diligence, for over an HOUR. This was easily the best pedi evahh. Ahh. But, this was an interesting experience for a few reasons...first the exemplary service, then outlines and numerous laminated choices for big toe design. I am a big toe design kind of pedi-girl. Sorry I'm not sorry for this. But, I think maybe it's taboo here?? They seemed startled when I asked for it, and I got a whole lot of stares from other design-less customers... Also, here I am getting my design "fanned"? |
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| As I was leaving, I noticed a candy bowl on the counter and asked if I might be able to take a piece for each of my kids. I thought it would be fun to bring something for them that would show them I was thinking of them even when I was busy and having fun. Before the tech even answered with words, she began digging her hands into the candy bowl and depositing large amounts into my purse! Diamond Nail and Spa was an experience! Back to the room to relax! Accomodations are great - clean and cozy. |
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| Things were going fine... until he opened his email... haha |
Random thoughts from today:
*We found ourselves on a Sunday Drive, out in the sticks of Benton County, country music on the radio. Enjoyable. And VERY much like WI... UNTIL the dead armadillo in the middle of the road. Too cold in the Frozen Tundra for those guys!
*There are these bright & beautiful pink flowers everywhere here. I haven't seen them at home. Must be a flower that thrives in hot weather...
*People here are friendly and nice so far and I am g l a d. I really like it so far!
*I hope we can find a home with a neighborhood like one we drove through today - basket ball hoops all faced the street :) Kids would love nothing more than some street ball!
*I've begun a list of all of the things I want to do with the kids when we come down, and I'm sure I will be growing the list all week. :)
-Hobbs State Park
-Check out Athletic Complexes (need to get Ava registered for vball and Soren for football, while here, if possible)
-Check out the Aquatic Center and all other swimming availabilities
-Museum of Native American History
-Crystal Bridges Art Museum
-Pea Ridge Military Park
-Eureka Springs
-Silver Dollar City
-Hot Springs
*This alone-time, together, is amazing. Is this real life?? But, WE MISS THE KIDS! BADLY! :( This is hard, no doubt about it. Leaving her babies is the hardest thing a mama can do - no matter what! Amen?! And the kids are pretty teary when we talk to them. Tonight we Skyped and all is well, except the miles between us! ;D
All 3 kids have been with the amazing and talented Carrie and PJ since Sat eve, and will stay there until Tuesday evening. Then, they will be scattering with friends, a bit, before teaming up with Nana at the end of the week :) Our friend, Garmin is doin' it up at Tailwaggers all week! :)
Pics from today.
Carrie Danielson photo cred. Love.
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| Pool Day! |
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