Grandpa Rinaldi (also known as Grampy) drove all the way down from Connecticut to Arkansas on his motorcycle to come visit for the week. The following are pictures and videos of the activities we did. I'll post the complete photo albums on my facebook page soon.
We decided one morning to visit the library to see the Mad Scientists Show. Haley didn't care for the show though so we were out of there within ten minutes. After leaving the show, Haley had Grampy read her some books, help her construct buildings out of blocks, and perform a puppet show. It turned out to be a great morning at the library despite not being able to see the Mad Scientists.
Haley and I at the start of the Mad Scientist show.
Haley sitting with Grampy and almost ready to leave
They're both so proud of their buildings
Hard at work
Grampy puts on the best puppet show...ever!
Grampy also had the chance to see the Firefly Festival held at the Ozark Botanical Gardens. It's a great event where kids get to dress up and do fun activities throughout the gardens. At the end of the night there's a puppet show for the kids to watch.
We were caught off guard last year when we didn't realize that the kids dress up. Not this year. Haley is ready to rock & roll.
Haley and I making rafts out of bamboo and twine. We would totally survive out in the wilderness.
Grampy helping Haley find sea shells in the sand.
Collecting sea shells 500 miles from the nearest shoreline.
I figured I had to add a picture of some flowers since we were at the Ozark Botanical Gardens
'Interesting' Firefly Fairy checking out Haley's art work on her wind chime
Haley making a wind chime that will be used in a future art exhibit at the Botanical Gardens
Haley's wind chime hung up with others
Haley rockin' it out on the drums
My new favorite picture of us
Interesting twist on roasting marshmallows...they're cooking bread dough instead...it was yummy
Haley making a mask that she will later use to hold charms that she can collect at all the different gardens
Haley meeting a Fairy and getting Fairy dust in her hair
Dancing before the show
It's been hot, very hot, and so we decided to go to the Springdale Aquatic Park to cool off. Grampy didn't pack his swim trunks. Let's be real, he doesn't own anything other than jeans so it was a hot time for him. But he still had fun.
This is an Alligator Snapping Turtle. They are one of the largest freshwater turtles in the word. They can weigh up to 250 pounds. This one weighed 122 pounds. They gain about one pound a year which makes it possible to estimate their age. This one was born in the 1880's
Feeding the Manta rays. They sell squid for you to feed to the Manta rays. Haley loved it.
Shark cage protecting me from Haley
Touch Tank.
Yummy!
Too Cool!
What a great place to go for a treat after the aquarium. Frozen Yogurt...and Cupcakes.
For the longest time now, everyone has been telling us that we need to go spend some time on Beaver Lake. We've hiked on trails that provide views of the lake and I've even gone with Haley down to some of the parks that border the lake and provides swimming access. Lake access is only thirty minutes away, but without a boat or so much as a canoe, we haven't had the chance to really experience the lake.
Well thanks to Robert and Shannon (Shannon is Renee's former boss from Marketing Drive) we were given a tour of the lake and had the chance to swim in some of the coves. Haley had a blast! We all had a great time. Thanks for taking us out on your boat.
Here is a description of the lake from a website: Beaver Lake, completed in 1966 and nestled high in the Ozark Mountains, is located in northwest Arkansas, The 28,370-acre lake is the first of the impoundments created in Arkansas and Missouri along the lengthy White River system.
Taking advantage of the natural scenic beauty, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a variety of recreational facilities. Paved access roads wind through 12 developed parks. There are 2,008 acres of campgrounds and over 650 individual campsites. Visitors can enjoy such conveniences as electricity and fire-rings. Drinking water, showers and restrooms are nearby. Other facilities -- picnic sites, swimming beaches, hiking trails, boat launching ramps, sanitary dump stations, group picnic shelters and amphitheaters -- are also available in the parks. With 487 miles of shoreline highlighted by limestone bluffs, Beaver Lake offers a world of recreational opportunities. Marinas and outfitters are plentiful. Cabins, resorts and other lodging ring the lake, and campgrounds are also available in good number.
Haley and Connor relaxing while we motor out to a swim spot
Haley enjoying the view
Katie standing proudly on a rock that she swam to
Robert and Connor at the helm
Haley getting the Princess treatment
Heading back to the marina, and completely exhausted
