Wild Wilderness Drive-through Safari

Yes, there is such a thing in Arkansas and it's crazy!

http://www.wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari.com/

About 25 minutes from us is a 4 mile drive-through safari. Several of the animals are in cages, but most of them are not!

The craziest thing was that the animals come right up to your car...especially the ostriches!

Enter at your own risk!

"Hello, can I help you?"

Yes, this bird is actually pecking on the window of our car! There is a reason why there are signs all over the place saying, "Keep Windows Rolled Up at All Times!"

Bailey making friends with a llama.

Bailey loved it. Every time she saw an animal she just squealed.

Getting up close and personal.

"I see something with a hump on it's back," says Bailey.

Yep, it's Mr. Camel....

...who wants to eat the mirror!

More animals.

There were plenty more animals that we saw and they also have a petting zoo. I was hoping to get some good pictures of Bailey there, but the day we went it was about 95 degrees outside, so we decided to save that for another day.

The next time we have visitors, we have a new place to take you!

Getting Closer!

Bailey's making great strides (literally) towards becoming a big girl!
Here she's showing-off her new ability... she even rewards herself with applause :)

Bailey's First Birthday - Part IV

I think this will finally be the last entry of the first birthday festivities. Just wanted to post a few more of Tanyard Creek, the Pea Ridge Battle Field, and the park.

Grace and Jack ready to head out on the trail.

Andy, Grace, Bumpa, and Jack
Grandfather and Grandson make their way up to the waterfall...too cute!

Hold on tight and say cheese!

These two were such troopers on this hike. It was over 90 degrees outside that day!

Time for the boys to jump in Uncle A's Jeep and head to the battle field. Jack thought that riding in the back of the Jeep with the windows off was "way cool".

Bumpa gives a quick history lesson to Grace and Jack.

Tim's turn for Tanyard Creek.

Tim deep in thought.

There was a Copperhead quite near to where Tim was sitting. However, Tim just decided to take pictures of it. I, on the other hand, stood a mile away. No, thank you!

I decided not to post the picture that Tim took of the snake. It gives me nightmares.

Heading across the suspension bridge.

Mor Mor, Bailey, Grace, and I spent an hour or so at the park one day.

Bailey and Grace loved the swings...

...but we have another Tiger Woods on our hands. Grace loved playing mini golf.

Last, but not least, I just think this picture of Grace feeding Bailey one morning is adorable. Thank you Grace for all your help.

Well, that's it. Until next year, this birthday is officially over, but boy it was fun.

Andy, Bailey, and I would again like to thank our entire families for making the long trek to Arkansas to help make Bailey's birthday so special and memorable.

Happy 4th of July

We interrupt the First Birthday Celebration posts to wish everyone a Happy Belated 4th of July!

I really wanted to get a good picture of Bailey holding an American flag.

I tried in her crib...

...but all she wanted was her blankie!
I tried outside, but that didn't go over so well either.
Oh well. Maybe next year.

Just a funny picture. This was our scrawny little Bailey on the 4th of July last year. She was just two weeks old!

On another note, Andy and I had a night out with some friends to a good ol' American rodeo.

Got our boots on and we're ready to go! Yee-haw!

Melissa and I before heading out. Only Melissa could look this good being 35 weeks pregnant! Bailey can't wait for her friend to arrive!

Andy and I with our good friends Melissa, Geoff, and Louis.

Bailey's First Birthday - Part III

Here are just some family pics of everyone while they were here.

The Nielsen/Peterson clan.

(We missed you, Uncle Mark, but we'll see you at the end of the month!)

The Nielsen/Peterson/Royster clan.

(Uncle Tim had not arrived yet.)
Bailey with her Mor Mor and Bumpa.
Bailey and Cousin Gracie.

Bailey and Cousin Jack Jack.

Bailey and Granddad went on MANY walks together.

Bailey with Nana and Granddad in front of the famous Fred's Hickory Inn.

The Royster clan - including Uncle Tim this time!

What in the world is everyone looking at here?

Much Better. The Royster/Nielsen group.

"Yay," says Bailey, "I hope all birthdays are this much fun!"

Stay tuned, there will be just one more post of the Birthday festivities of everyone's adventures at Tanyard Creek and the Pea Ridge Battle Field.

Bailey's First Birthday - Part II

Ok, let's see, where were we?

Oh yes, we were just getting ready to have some cake when Nana and Granddad arrived!

"Hi Granddad."
"Ok, now I've got my birthday hat on and I'm ready to go."

"Birthday Girl...that's me!"

But wait..Nana and Granddad brought some gifts...it's Baby Cupcake!

..and new shades!

"Ok, now I'm really ready. Bring on the cake!"

Make a wish!

Bailey wasn't real interested in putting her hands right in the cake. She just poked at it.

"Oh my, this birthday stuff is just all too much."

One of Bailey's favorite things to do was play with the balloons.

She enjoyed the balloons more than the cake.

Then Uncle Tim arrived the next day. Bailey and Uncle Tim always have a good time together.

They built towers out of blocks...

...and he's teaching Bailey how to play golf. Move over Tiger Woods!

Stay tuned! This birthday celebration isn't over yet!