Hot Springs Arkansas holds fond memories for Melinda. This was where her grandparents lived as she was growing up. We would come to visit them every two or three years (we lived in California). 
Playing board games in the two story house at 409 Alcorn Avenue with her sister, Nancy, and Uncle Victor (who is only 8 years older than Melinda), watching the rain fall while sitting on the swing on the front porch (it always rained when we visited), playing miniature golf with Granddaddy and her two uncles, and watching Granddaddy make wooden objects (such as Barbie doll furniture for us) in the basement workshop are special memories for Melinda. So when Melinda's parents started going to Hot Springs Village (resort outside of Hot Springs) when the boys were small Melinda and Nancy and their families wanted to tag along too.
July 12-18 Roger, Melinda and Kyle had the opportunity to go with Melinda's Mom, Nancy, her husband, James and their youngest child, Kimberly to Hot Springs Village. Roger enjoyed the long walks on the trails through the woods and along side the golf courses and the daily swimming at the pool. Kyle enjoyed the pool and bugging his 11 year old cousin (and she bugged Kyle alot too). Melinda and Nancy took a paving stone class one afternoon. Melinda has her stone displayed on the hearth in our missionary house.
One evening Kyle, Melinda, and the Ervins played miniature golf. Nancy won! She made two hold in ones while Melinda was just trying to make par.
One day James, Nancy, Kimberly, Kyle and Melinda went to Mid-America Science Museum. It is a hands on museum. It is a fun way to learn science.
Captain Kyle and his crew, Kimberly preparing to blast off.
ICE!
Kyle in the air?!?
WOW a giant Arkansas crystal!
Captain Kyle and his crew, Kimberly preparing to blast off.
ICE!
Kyle in the air?!?
WOW a giant Arkansas crystal!
Have you ever heard of the Tesla coil? Google it and learn all about it!
Electricity!
Electricity!?!
The word is Grossology!
Kyle learning about Burps and Belches.
Kyle and Melinda having a Kodak moment.We took a pontoon boat ride on Lake Balboa in Hot Springs Village one evening. We enjoyed seeing all the beautiful homes built along the shoreline.
Roger and Kyle checking out their messages on their phones.
Roger and Kyle checking out their messages on their phones.
Melinda and her Mom enjoying the ride.
We saw some very beautiful homes on the shore of the lake. 
Nana with the Ervins and the Russells at the end of the ride.We finished the week having breakfast at The Pancake House (www.pancakeshop.com) in downtown Hot Springs. It is a family tradition to go to the Pancake House for breakfast. They are known for their fried ham steaks, buckwheat pancakes and apple butter. YUMMY!
We had a great week!
We had a great week!
