Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Trip with Anna Claire and Bennett

Gary and I took Anna Claire and Bennett to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas today. We stopped on the way home at the candy factory and also at a place that sells kayaks.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is the largest big cat refuge in the world that is open to the public.

Granddad, Anna Claire and Bennett looking at animals.

 Anna Claire and Bennett Orr.

 Anna Claire Orr. Anna Claire and Ma got hot so we just stayed around the places that were shaded. Bennett and Granddad left to look at other animals.

 Anna Claire took her purse. In it was a hair brush and two walkie talkies.

 Ma and Bennett on the walking tour. When we first got to the place there was a sign for tours $15 each for adults and $10 for children. Ma thought it would be in one of those air conditioned vehicles where you sit and ride while someone tells you what you are seeing.

It was a walking tour! Ma was not happy, neither was Anna Claire and Bennett. They wanted to leave before it started; so did Ma.. If I saw one bengal tiger I saw a hundred!

 Can you tell Bennett is hot and not happy!

 Bennett said Ma had antlers.

We stopped at the candy factory. Here is Granddad, Anna Claire and Bennett.

 Then, we stopped at a place that sells kayaks.

 Anna Claire and Bennett shopping around.

 Anna Claire found the kayak she wants. She said I could get it for her when she turned six. That's next year!

 Not to be outdone, Bennett found one also!

We got home and had school. Of course, Anna Claire was in charge. She was the teacher. We had physical education. Anna Claire, Bennett, Ma and Granddad sat in a circle and threw a football. Then, teacher Anna Claire said it was music time. She played the piano while Bennett and I played musical instruments and we sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Now, it's rest time. We are watching Tom and Jerry on Netflix. Teacher Anna Claire always manages to find movie time!

I must finish now because Anna Claire just told me it was snack time. They both want a smoothie.

After rest time Anna Claire taught us some gymnastics. We all did the downward dog (?). I wasn't sure Granddad or I would be able to get up. Then, I have a nice video of Anna Claire and Bennett putting on a show for me. They performed to the song "Daddy Took Us To The Zoo." I'll post it tomorrow.

It's bedtime and we will have to now make room for another child in the bed. Meet Coo Coo. Coo Coo took a nap with us today and she sleeps with a little stuffed duck. Occassionally we forget she is in bed and someone lays on top of her. Tonight Anna Claire said that Coo Coo could sleep on the edge of the bed. Bennett asked me what color Coo Coo was. I thought that was pretty smart. I didn't know so I asked Anna Claire. Anna Claire said Coo Coo was white. I guess you know, she's imaginary.

We are having movie tonight and popcorn. These kids are precious. We love them as much as they love us.

Bennett fell off the bed the other night. Tonight I put pillows on the floor in case that happened again. Bennett said "Now, if I fall of the bed I bet I say NOW THAT'S A SOFT LANDING." I slept on the edge of the bed so he wouldn't fall off.

Gary said that teachers have been text messaging him everyday while they are in teacher meetings. They want to know how retirement is going. I asked him if he told them that he's been to Chuckee Cheese, JumpZone, Candy Factory, and a Zoo already while they have been in meetings! And that's just the first three days!