Whirlwind Trip

My Mom left today.  It was so hard to say goodbye!  Thank goodness we have the pictures and the memories of our time together.  It felt like she was only here for a day or two...

On Sunday we took a road trip to Eureka Springs.  We were treated to beautiful flowers outside the Crescent Hotel...  And yes, Lindsay, there is supposed to be a ghost that resides there!

   I love the flowers in Eureka Springs!  They were everywhere and the colors were luscious.  The sticks in the planter were spray painted purple to accent the pansies.  I may have to try that!

   There was a grotto that the girls were able to explore, too.  I stayed above to take pictures, but I heard it was really "cool"!

   Delicate bleeding hearts...

   Cool and soothing.  Away from the shops and noise (there was a biker's event that weekend) the girls could have stayed here all day...

   There were darling cottages all through town.  I wonder what it would be like to live in Eureka Springs?  It's such a quaint little artist's community.  I thought this yellow house was so darling, but it appears that someone else feels the same.:)

   On to the shopping!  Life is Good shops are such fun.  We lucked into a 50% off sale at the kid's Life is Good shop!  

   The bags are full of Life is Good T-shirts, pajamas and mugs!

  You know I had to shop at Wilson and Wilson Folk Art!  Blakely Wilson was there and we were able to visit with her!  Talk about a sweetheart...  I have a lot of pictures in my home and they make me feel so good.:)  Blakely is warm, lovely and welcoming- just like her art.  I thought you might like to take a peek...

   Her shop just makes you... Joyful!  I wish you all could have been there with us!  Charming...

   Here's Blakely Wilson at work.  She told me that coming to work IS a joy for her.  She is blessed and in turn she blesses others.  The sign to the left of her desk states, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."  

  Katie is modeling the new hat the my Mom bought her.  Pink, of course.:)

   We took another road trip to see the bluebirds of happiness!  (Heather- we are SO going there together someday!)  We packed a picnic lunch and off we went...

   Then, we took a nature hike to see a waterfall.  The water was just TOO tempting!

   Look at this tiny cutie pie!  The red against the green was beautiful.  I got some pitiful pictures of a cardinal, too.  Not blog worthy- lol!

   

   Can you even see the bluebird?  It's on top of the bird house/  It was so pretty!  My pictures are nothing like Robin's, girls, but I did try!:(  (Click on picture for a closer look.)

   We had a lovely dinner at Carrabba's on my Mom's first night here.  (the pictures are in the wrong order)  Have you ever had the Ensalada Johnny Rocco?  Fresh scallops and shrimp, served warm on a salad with roasted red peppers and the most amazing vinaigrette dressing. Is your mouth watering yet?

   The girls and I (and Jeff) treasured each and every minute with my Mom.  She is the most amazing lady, Mom and friend. Thanks so much for coming, Mom!