Eureka Springs, here we come

Jeremy and I are headed to Eureka Springs for a little anniversary getaway. This is significant not only because we are leaving Young Master Gray for more than one night for the first time, but also because we had originally hoped to be married in Eureka Springs nine years ago. More than hoped. We had the Thorncrown Chapel booked and a reception site all picked out. Our date changed and then the chapel was no longer available so we ended up getting married in the place it all began (Mountain Home) instead. I don’t regret the change, but sometimes wonder, “what if?”

After that we never made it back to Eureka Springs. Not even for a day trip. I am so excited to remedy that over the next few days! I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it!

Here’s the song that I walked down the aisle to, it still gets to me:

One Little Word {Happy 2016}

Every house that Jeremy and I have owned has been older and in need of a lot of renovation. Each one has taken a little bit longer than the last to “finish,” with most of the work getting done once it’s time to move and therefore, get ready to sell. This time around, a good chunk on the work was done before we moved in. However, the rest of it (and there is still quite a bit) is progressing very slowly. When things are in upheaval like this, I tend to put off decorating. We have lived here for a year and a half and the only thing that I have hung up on the wall is a calendar. I didn’t put anything on the built in shelves in the living room for the longest time because they still need another coat of paint. I finally just decided that I would rather have to remove all of my books from the shelves when it came time to paint than keep them sitting in boxes any longer. These kind of things make a house feel more like a home. It bothers me that I don’t have pictures on the walls. It bothers me that I have a guest bathroom that has unfinished walls (read: wallpaper removed and haven’t gotten around to repairing and painting said walls), peeling vinyl flooring, and no toilet paper holder. Okay, that last thing is mostly a life-with-a-toddler thing (We used to have one, I just have no idea where the thing even is right now), but still… The point is, all of this adds up to me not opening up my home to friends and family because I want all of these things done first. It drives Jeremy crazy. In all honesty, it drives me crazy too.

So, all of this to say that my one little word for this year is “open.” This goes beyond opening up my home to others regardless of the state it’s in, but that is a huge part of it. I have always loved hosting friends and family in my home. I used to be a part of an epic dinner exchange when I lived in Dallas. I’ve never lived in another place with such an emphasis on eating out All. The. Time. My circle of friends decided to take turns hosting each other in our homes and cooking instead. I miss that. I miss crowding around the table and playing nertz and other fun games with friends. So, this year, I’m going to be open to hosting in my not-so-perfect home. Who wants to come over first? I promise not to say, “Sorry the house is such a mess,” or point out the boards coming up in the kitchen under the sink. As long as you do the same for me. Invite me into your not-so-perfect life and don’t apologize for the mess. Deal?

As I mentioned before, “open” applies to more than just opening my home. I’m open to choosing one little word. This isn’t the first year I have heard about this concept, but it’s the first year I am participating. I’m open to new ideas, challenges and opportunities. I’m open to meeting new people and even being set up on a blind “mom date.” Yes, that happened. And when I read the Facebook message, instead of pretending that I didn’t see it, I responded (gasp!). I’m not going to lie, I was still tempted to just pretend I forgot all about it and let it be forgotten by all parties involved, but I am proud to say that I did not do that. As nervous and hesitant as I am about making new friends, I realize that it is something I need (and want!) to be open to. I’m open to taking a health-related step that I have been putting off for two and a half years. I’m open to putting myself out there. I’m open to taking the first step.

Open heart.
Open mind.
Open book.
Open road.
Open.
Wide open.

Bring it on!

Kindness Elves with a Toddler {Friday Refresh}

Have you heard of the the Kindness Elves? They came about when Anna Ransom, the mom behind the blog The Imagination Tree, was looking for an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf. From what I understand, the Elf on the Shelf watches you and reports back to Santa on your behavior–a very creepy twist on the naughty and nice list aspect of the Santa myth. I have always enjoyed seeing the photos my friends take of their Elves getting into mischief throughout the month of December, and I give them so many props for doing that each night to create an allusion of magic for their kids. However, when thinking about what I wanted to teach Young Master Gray about Christmas, the Elf on the Shelf just didn’t fit. I found the idea of the Kindness Elves so refreshing. Instead of focusing on behavior or if Santa will reward your behavior with presents or not, the Kindness Elves encourage you to engage in acts of kindness during the holiday season, especially the last 12 days leading up to Christmas Day.

I heard about the Kindness Elves last year and attempted to include them in our traditions for the holiday, but it was simply too late and Young Master Gray would not have really comprehended the meaning anyway. I gave myself a pass and decided to plan ahead this year. Even this year I do not expect to go all out with our acts of kindness. I am looking at it as a trial run so that there is not too much pressure on Young Master Gray or myself. I mean, he is only two. While I do believe that he has some understanding of what we are trying to accomplish with our acts of kindness, I still don’t think he can fully appreciate it this year.

With that in mind, I kept our list of daily acts of kindness rather simple. I have a feeling that he will really enjoy it next year and even get in on the fun of planning what acts of kindness we should enact. The Kindness Elves arrive on December 12 and then the days that follow are the days we will perform our acts of kindness with Christmas Eve being the final day.

Day 1: Make a craft and send it to someone special.
Day 2: Collect toys you no longer use and donate them.
Day 3: Make a DIY Christmas card for somebody in the hospital.
Day 4: Make a bird feeder to feed the birds in the yard.
Day 5: Gather food and donate it to the food pantry.
Day 6: Give free hugs to friends and family today and brighten their day.
Day 7: Donate a toy to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital toy drive.
Day 8: Make a video for great grandma to tell her Merry Christmas.
Day 9: Make a DIY gift for your daycare teachers.
Day 10: Choose an animal from the Heifer International catalog to donate.
Day 11: Take treats to the fire station.
Day 12: Pick up your books and toys and put them where they belong.

I ordered our Kindness Elves from The Imagination Tree this year, but they sold out within a matter of hours. If you are interested in purchasing the official Kindness Elves next year, visit their Facebook page and sign up to be the first to know when they are available. If you would like to get started this year, you may be able to find some of these cute little elf ornaments I found at Target last year. In fact, since our elves are coming from the UK and have yet to arrive, these may be the ones we end up using this year.

If you already have an Elf on the Shelf and want to shift the focus to giving and kindness, you can give him a new purpose as kindness elf!

Get started with an introduction to the Kindness Elves and ideas for the 12 Magical Days of the Kindness Elves. Plus, 25 ideas for your Kindness Elves.

With or without the elves, I hope to encourage a spirit of kindness, generosity and service to others in Young Master Gray, during the holiday and all year round. Feel free to follow along on Instagram and see what kind acts our elves inspire us to carry out this season. I hope the next two weeks are full of goodness and light for you and yours. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Train Fun in Northwest Arkansas

Tomorrow morning, downtown Springdale will be full of excitement and wonder as the Children’s Christmas Train departs on a magical 30-minute excursion to Johnson and back. Those aboard the cozy 1940s era train will enjoy storytelling, Christmas carols, and a visit with the man in red. More fun is in store once the train returns to the Emma Street Train Depot, including rides on ponies masquerading as reindeer, operating a model train, live music, penning letters to Santa, and a cake walk. It is an extremely popular event year after year and the tickets sell out quickly.  If you want to be the first to know next year, be sure to like The Children’s Safety Center on Facebook. Proceeds from the event go to the organization to further their efforts in helping victims of child abuse. The tickets are usually available starting in September. I’m putting a reminder on my calendar for next year!

Photo by Children’s Christmas Train

 If you, like myself, are just now hearing about the Children’s Christmas Train, or if you just missed your chance to get tickets, don’t worry, there are plenty of other train-theme holiday events in the area to awe kids of any age!


Holiday Express departing from Springdale, Van Buren & Seligman {various dates and times}
The Holiday Express is a more low-key option offered by the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. The Express is a 30-minute excursion like the Children’s Christmas Train, and you still get to see Santa Claus. Go read fellow Arkansas Women Blogger Rhonda Franz’s article about the Holiday Express on OnlyinArk.com and then check back later this month for pictures and stories from our own ride!

Gardenland Express in Fayetteville {December 5 & 6, 12 & 13}
Gardenland Express is presented by the Botanical Garden of The Ozarks and features a model train display from the Northwest Arkansas Garden Railway Society. The train is sure to delight the train-obsessed kid and adult alike as it chugs around a winter village landscape. You can also participate in a holiday craft, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a hay ride and more! Here are some details on the particular events for each day:

 
December 5–Storytime with the the Little Sprouts Program Team
December 6–Making Ornaments out of Recycled Materials with Washington County Environmental Affairs
December 12–Stone Balancing with Gravity Whispers
December 13–Making Ornaments out of Recycled Materials with Washington County Environmental Affairs

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12, and free for kids under 5. 


Santa on the Caboose in Rogers {Saturdays, December 5, 12, & 19}
A Christmas wish come true for boys and girls of Northwest Arkansas! Hosted by Main Street Rogers, Santa on the Caboose is just that, a chance to visit with Santa Claus and get a photo inside a Frisco caboose in Downtown Rogers! You can find Santa on the corner of Walnut and 1st Street each Saturday in December before Christmas, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There is no charge to visit with Santa, bring your own camera for photos!

Photo by Main Street Rogers

Did I miss any Christmas train activities that your child loves? I know Young Master Gray is looking forward to our Holiday Express train ride, and I know he’ll enjoy Gardenland Express. However, judging from last year’s visit with Santa at Northwest Arkansas Mall, I have a feeling we may have to settle for a picture of him with the caboose sans Santa!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!

Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree {And what to do with it}

If all you’re doing with your pumpkins is carving them, you’re doing yourself a disservice! Making your own pumpkin puree is super simple and saves you from using the BPA-lined cans of puree (for convenience sake while still staying safe, there are a few brands who make boxed puree, check out this one and this one).

We went to the pumpkin patch in October to pick out our pumpkins and came home with a variety of pumpkins and squashes. There is nothing wrong with buying your pumpkins from the grocery store or Walmart, I buy them from those places as well, but I always try to buy local when I can.

Plus, going to the pumpkin patch is a lot of fun! And there are cute photo ops!

Once you have your pumpkin, wash it really well and cut it in half, from the stem down. 

Scoop out all of the seeds and guts. Set the seeds aside to roast later. Cover each half of the pumpkin with foil and set on a cookie sheet, foil side up. Place the cookie sheet in an oven preheated to 325 degrees. Bake for about an hour, or until the flesh is tender and is easily pierced by a fork. Once the pumpkins cool, scoop out the pumpkin flesh (or just peel away the skin) and puree in a food processor.

Now you’re all ready to make pumpkin goodness galore! Here are a few paleo pumpkin recipes to try with your fresh puree:

I tried to choose recipes with simple ingredients for anyone who is not on a paleo diet, but wants to try some of these recipes anyway. Besides coconut flour and almond flour, most of the ingredients for these recipes should be things you already buy or have stocked in your pantry!

Do you have a favorite pumpkin recipe? The holidays are the perfect time to make both tried and true recipes and new ones that will wow your family and guests. Don’t you agree? I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be sexist

I have never really considered myself a leader. Yes, I have gone out for and won leadership roles at various times in my life, but I never felt a strong call to lead. The moment I became a mom, that changed. Now my days are full of leadership. A heavy burden, and one that I do not take lightly. My son is only two and at this point in his life he believes that the world is all about him (it’s also sometimes about mama, daddy or papaw). It is up to me to lead by example, to show him that the world is also about others, about giving to others, about sharing with others, and taking the time to listen to and care for others.

Recently, I filled out a form for his school and one of the questions asked, “What are your hopes and dreams for your child?” I had left the task of filling out the form to the last minute and had to turn it back in that morning so I jotted down some generic things about wanting him to be healthy, successful, educated, a good citizen and a good father. I do want all of those things for him, I do. I want so much more for him than that though. I want him to be compassionate towards others, those that are downtrodden, left out in the cold, homeless, orphaned and in poverty. I want him to be passionate about his beliefs and to follow his heart without listening to the naysayers or those who would tear him down or doubt him. I want him to be generous, giving of his time, funds, and heart to those that he loves and even to those he may not even know. I want him to treat all people with the same regard, no matter their gender, skin color, sexual preference, religious affiliation, or anything else that society continuously tells us divides us. I want him to be exposed to, learn about and embrace other cultures. I hope that he will speak out against injustice.

This month, #NWARKCares is spotlighting women in politics and leadership. It occurred to me while reading about all the ways that we as women can work to improve the appalling statistics, no one mentions training up boys and men to advocate for women in these roles. There is plenty of talk about empowering girls to engage in leadership roles, but not one thing about making sure we are teaching boys that women belong in those leadership roles right alongside them, or even teaching them to think being subordinate to a women in leadership is normal. Now it is very possible that I missed those articles or was not looking in the right places, but I read many and out of those I would think there should have been at least one mention.

About those appalling statistics I mentioned before. Let’s just talk about right here in my state. Did you know that even though women are half the population in the state of Arkansas, only 17 percent of the General Assembly in Arkansas is made up of women? Arkansas is one of 24 states that have never had a female governor. According to a 2012 Legislative Report, the poverty rate in Arkansas for female-headed families with children was 47 percent. Not surprisingly then, women continue to make less money than men in Arkansas. All of these statistics were gathered from womenleadarkansas.org, a non-partisan non-profit with a mission to empower women and girls to engage in politics, policy and leadership. I should note that they welcome men to join, as long as they share their belief that women should be better represented in politics, leadership and policy.

In a recent speech at Glamour’s Woman of the Year awards, Reese Witherspoon spoke about women being underrepresented not only on screen but in every industry. She drew attention to the fact that ambitious women are stigmatized. “I want everybody to close their eyes and think of a really dirty word.
Now open your eyes. Was any of your words ambition? I didn’t think so.
Why do people have prejudiced opinions about women who accomplish
things? Why is that perceived as a negative? In a study by Georgetown University in 2005, a group of professors asked
candidates to evaluate male efficient versus female efficient in
politicians. Respondents were less likely to vote for power-seeking
women than power-seeking men. They even reported ambitious women as
provoking feelings of disgust,” she said. The rest of the speech is full of eyeopening and empowering antidotes like this. If you have the time to watch it, I highly recommend doing so.

So, how do we raise our boys to see ambitious women as women who need support, not derision? Where do we start?

-Start early. 
At the age my son is now he plays with trucks and dolls, his play kitchen and his train set. He loves helping with “chores” like washing dishes, sweeping and vacuuming. According to Lise Eliot, author of “Pink Brain, Blue Brain,” parents are more likely to encourage girls to freely choose to play with whatever toys they like and to advocate for them to be whatever they want to be. They are not so likely to facilitate the same environment for boys, and are more likely to discourage them from playing with traditionally girl toys. Our own preconceived notions about gender shape what our children will come to believe. Instead of being encouraged to play with toys that teach nurturing, boys are left only with toys that teach strength, physical ability and aggression. It doesn’t take long then for them to see what values are held in higher esteem.
 
-Teach them to value and understand the perspectives of others.
If boys are taught early to value the perspectives of others, including girls and women, they are more likely to continue to value their ideas, perspectives and plights into adulthood.
 

-Take every opportunity to teach about diversity and equality. 
See an ad on TV that objectifies women? Stop at the moment and talk to your son about that issue. It will resonate much more than if you just brought it up out of context.

-Talk to your sons about how women and men are portrayed in movies, TV shows and advertisements.
Reese Witherspoon, Geena Davis and others are working hard to change Hollywood, but the fact is that women are still mostly represented in stereotypical and supporting roles.

-Most importantly, lead by example in the home.
It is so vital that the values you want to instill are modeled at home. Division of household duties, how you and your partner speak to one another, and your actions showing that you value yourself and your partner will inform the your son’s own personal beliefs.

Maybe all of this is a lot to put on my son’s slight shoulders. Maybe it is a lot to put on the shoulders of parents. Maybe. But isn’t it also a lot to put on our sons the burden of always being strong, never being able to express emotions, especially fear, sadness and hurt? Isn’t it a lot to ask them to be the sole breadwinner in their families, and to take on the guilt that inevitably follows when they feel they are unsuccessful? Isn’t it a lot to put on them the burden of being the ones who are supposed to fight? The thing is, these two years have flown by and I know that in a moment I will turn around and he will be 18. I absolutely must start thinking about this now and begin to teach him that women can and should lead.

{Friday Refresh} Fill Your Cup

When you are a mom (or a busy creative and/or professional or just a human being) it can be hard to find the time take care of yourself. Not only that, but sometimes it feels like an indulgence to do the things you need to do to make yourself feel more human. At least that’s true for me. I feel guilty taking the time away from my family, writing, household tasks, etc. to do something simple that fills my cup like get haircut or read a book. Then, when it’s something like going to get a massage, it can feel like an extravagance.  Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury though. It is essential.

Taking care of others, keeping a tidy home (or not so tidy), making sure there is healthy food to eat each day, working and giving back to the community–whether you do all of these things or just some of them–they take a toll. The things on the aforementioned list range from things that bring joy to things that are just dreaded tasks that must be done. Even the things that bring joy can be draining, and sometimes they take up more time and energy than anything else. I love being with my 2-year-old son and taking care of him is my greatest joy, however, I am learning that in order to do that to the best of my ability, I need to fill my cup as well.

Learning. That word is key. I think the last time I had a haircut was in March, and I’m pretty sure that all the books I’ve started to read this year are still sitting on the shelf waiting to be finished (that goes for some of the books I started to read last year, too). Since it’s been so long I decided to start with the “extravagant.” I took time out of my work day (one of the two days per week that Young Master Gray is cared for elsewhere) and had a massage this morning. And, oh, was it glorious! Apparently, it was much more necessary than I had imagined as this was the first time I’d ever had a massage therapist tell me that I should come back twice a month for regular massages. Clearly, she hasn’t heard about how long it’s been since I had a haircut! I am feeling pretty relaxed, albeit a little sore (if you want a true deep tissue massage, see Carole at Aleiptes Massage in Rogers). A nap just may be in the cards for this afternoon!

What do you do to fill your cup? How do you make sure that you take the time to do those things?

Imagine: A Child’s Adventureworld {Giveaway}

This post was compensated by Imagine: A Child’s Adventureworld. All thoughts are honest and my own. 

Imagine a place where you can take your child on a playdate and sit chatting with other moms while still being able to watch your children play. Now imagine that place as a bright, fun, engaging play space with predominantly wooden toys separated by half walls into areas that let their imaginations run wild–a veterinarian clinic, a fire station, a market, a cottage, a train depot and more. This is the dream that Orie and Amanda Quinn have made into reality at Imagine: A Child’s Adventureworld in Fayetteville. Just as important as the things that they have included in the space are the things that they have left out of it, including screens, coin-operated games and to the best of their ability, germs. Rule number one when coming into Imagine is that everyone must wash their hands before any play begins. That, along with a strict sanitation policy goes a long way in easing my mind about taking my son into a place where toys are played with by many children throughout the day.

 
When the Quinns were unable to find the kind of play space that they wanted for their kids in the Fayetteville area they began to dream up plans for a theme park based on imaginative play. The themed areas in Imagine were modeled after the way the Quinns facilitated play for their own sons, Aiden, 5, and Spencer, 3, in their home. They would transform their spaces into themed areas to play and interact in, implementing various challenges and scavenger hunts within those themes. Once they scaled down their ideas to something that would work here in Northwest Arkansas, they brought in James and Brittany Flammer as partners. James was able to take their ideas and make them into reality by building out the space into the separate areas, and even building some of the playscapes, such as the train that captured my son’s attention the moment we walked in.

You really have to see it yourself to appreciate all of the wonderful detail that was put into the play areas, from the walls painted by artist Jason Jones, to the toys chosen, to the woodwork, but here is a virtual tour of the space. 

Isn’t it a fun space? This place is the the stuff of kids’ dreams, well, at least for my kid. I love watching my son so engaged in play and really using his imagination and creativity. The separate areas help to capture a child’s attention and keep them occupied with an activity for longer than if there were in a wide open space with lots of different options. If you’ve ever taken your child to play in an open concept play area, you may have noticed them jump from one activity to another to another without spending much time with any one activity.  It’s exhausting to watch and overwhelming for the children. The first time we visited Imagine, my son spent all of his time in the first 3 play sections. Each time we have returned, he has discovered a new area to play in. I can definitely see his appreciation for some of the different toys/play areas growing as he grows up.
If you live in Northwest Arkansas and haven’t already visited Imagine with your children, I highly recommend it! The other parents I chatted with seemed to really love the seating in the middle of the space that allows them to keep an eye on their kids while still enjoying the company of other adults. They also appreciate the idea of having everyone wash their hands first thing, especially now that we’re entering cold and flu season.  
The Details:
  • Open Monday-Saturday from 9-5
  • Admission for adults: $4 flat fee
  • Admission for children 1-8: $4/hour with an hour minimum, then $1 for every 15 minutes thereafter. So if you play for and hour and a half, it would be $6. 
  • Monthly passes are $35 for one child and one adult
  • Yearly passes are $150 for one child and one adult
  • Located at 3801 Johnson Mill Blvd in Fayetteville
  • Kids and adults must remove their shoes before playing so make sure you bring socks!
  • Healthy snacks are available for purchase, and you can even buy the toys you find in the play center

Imagine also offer birthday party packages starting at $200. There is a separate birthday room, or you can reserve the entire space if you choose their after-hours package. You can view the different packages offered on their website.

Now for the really fun part, I’m giving away a one month pass to Imagine-A Child’s Adventureworld! Open to readers in the Fayetteville, AR and surrounding areas only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Friday Refresh} A new beginning

I posted the first Friday ReFresh post almost one year ago with the intention of showing updates of our home remodel. Then our remodel kind of stalled, or at least it is going much slower than I had anticipated or hoped. It turns out that having a toddler in the house is not very conducive to things like redoing floors, painting, or completely gutting the only bathroom with a bathtub. Luckily we were able to get quite a bit of the work done before we moved, including replacing the ductwork, repairing the drywall, painting, etc. However, we still have so much more to do. My hope of a series dedicated to home reno projects seemed to have floated away like a kite without a string. Then I began thinking about all of the different ways to refresh. You can refresh yourself, your wardrobe, a piece of furniture, a routine, a perspective…the list goes on.

So the Friday ReFresh is officially reinstated, just no longer limited to home remodel projects. I love a good before and after and I look forward to coming up with weekly ways to refresh my mind, home, wardrobe, decor, and even my blog. I hope you will come back next week for a post that will be about refreshing my workspace.

What would you like to refresh? Is there anything in particular you would like me to address in this series? I really would appreciate your input on this endeavor. It can be anything! I will try my best to use your replies in a Friday ReFresh post.

(Sharing at Idea Box Thursday)

Fall Adventures {So Far}

There is a lot to be said for fall in the Ozarks. I would go as far as to say that the Ozarks are never as beautiful as they are in the fall. It’s already well established that fall is my favorite, but I think that many would agree that we hit the jackpot when fall comes to the Ozarks. Cool, crisp weather, bright blue skies, and a rush of color that hits you in the face and makes you hold your breath. Fall in the Ozarks is also full of lots and lots of fun activities and events. We’ve hit up a few of those already, including the Arkansas Apple Festival in Lincoln, Arkansas, and the Hollister Grape and Fall Festival in Hollister, MO.

This was our second year to attend the Arkansas Apple Festival, and this year we made it early enough to see the parade. Tractor after tractor caught Young Master Gray’s eye, but the excitement wore him completely out! He didn’t stay awake long enough to sit on one, but we took this photo to show him when he woke up. Just like last year, we made a stop at Apple Town on the way in to check out their selection of fresh apples, cider and canned jams, jellies, pickles and more. Last year the pumpkins were the draw for Young Master Gray, but this year he was taken by the large wheel that he could easily spin.

After we took in the festival, we drove around Washington County with Jeremy’s mom as our guide, showing us different places relatives had lived, worked and played. Our drive eventually brought us to Siloam Springs where we had lunch at Sweetwater Tavern, the restaurant inside the Inn at the Springs. I ordered a bowl of vegetable soup which ended up being vegetable beef soup (heavy on the beef), but it was still pretty good.

The following weekend we made the trek up to Branson, MO to revisit the place where we had gathered five years earlier on the same day in celebration of Jeremy’s late grandmother’s 85th birthday. That day happened to be Jeremy’s birthday as well. The day was bright and the company was splendid. We lunched at the Dobyn’s Dining Room located in the Keeter Center on the College of the Ozarks campus, which boasts farm-to-table fare that is brought to you completely by students, from the food they grow on campus to the servers. I enjoyed the most amazing fall-appropriate salad topped with butternut squash and served with pumpkin vinagrette. The Keeter Center also boasts a lodge that was ranked in the top five of college-owned hotels by Travel+Leisure magazine.

Young Master Gray became a little bit confused when three of the four men he calls “papaw” were gathered around the same table! After lunch (and some photo ops and a good bit of visiting) we headed over to downtown Hollister for their Grape and Fall Festival. I had seen a sign for the festival on our way into Branson so we decided to check it out. If the theme of the Apple Festival was tractors, then the theme of this day was trucks. Young Master Gray was able to climb into the cab of two different fire engines, one old, one new. Even in a day where he got to see three “papaws” and a choo-choo, this was the highlight of the day.

We also saw a few animals including goats, rabbits, ducks, geese and a horse. Young Master Gray did NOT want out of his stroller when we got to the
goat pin, but he did decide to get out to see the ducks and rabbits.

While we were walking through the festival, a train from the Branson Scenic Railway came rolling through.

It was an altogether lovely fall day (even if it did get hot in the afternoon), and I am glad we took the detour.

Next up on our tour de fall, we plan to visit the pumpkin patch and take a train ride on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad to see some fall foliage. What fall adventures have you taken so far? What is on your bucket list for the season?