Family Farewells in Missouri

Hey guys, and a Happy Friday to you!

Today is still a bit on the rough side… but Scott and I are starting to get back into our groove. I want to thank you all for the sweet comments and encouraging words you left on yesterday’s post as well as on my social media pages. They do make me smile!

With family and loved ones on the brain, I wanted to share the final day of our vacation with you all.

Our trip to Arkansas/Missouri is always filled with lots of food, things to see, car rides, and family time. Scott and I spent our Tuesday and Wednesday bidding farewell to his parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. We only get to come home once a year, so we made sure to soak in some quality time before heading back home to Michigan.

Tuesday was a lazy day. Since all of us had been go-go-go since the minute we landed, it was nice to take a breather and relax for an afternoon. Scott’s mom and I fished, while Scott rolled around with the dogs in the yard.

And I use the term “fishing” loosely. I really should have said “attempted to fish.” I didn’t get very far casting my line before Becky had to come in for back up, then we only spent a minute or two waiting before reeling it in. There were other things to see in the pond!

It may looks like an alligator, but don’t worry, it’s just one of their dogs, Sadie. She was loving the pond and extra attention.

As our afternoon ended, we knew it was time to pack up and move towards Scott’s dad’s house. It’s always hard to say goodbye to family.

About an hour and a half later, we arrived back in Powell, Missouri. The house smelled great, and as soon as we got to the kitchen I had to take a photo of Belle snuggling up to Kay (Scott’s step-mom) as she finished cooking dinner.

Roadie does the same thing! Always has to be touching. At all times.

Dinner was ready in a pinch, and it started with this delicious Asian salad.

With all of the fresh ingredients, I was surprised to find out the salad came pre-made from Sam’s Club. Easy peasy!

Dinner, however, was made from scratch and was a delicious Hawaiian Beef and Peppers dish.

All of the vegetables came right from their garden, and it was so good I had seconds. I will have to get the recipe and remake it at home to share!

We spent the rest of the night catching up on the porch with Kay’s parents.

Then went out on a sunset mule ride!

Not the animal mule, but this fine piece of machinery labelled the same.

We made a few laps around the property, went down to the stream, then made a pit stop at the chicken house on the way home.

(And so we meet again, Charlie!)

It was great to get some fresh air and I can finally say I’ve ridden a mule. Ohhhhh yeah.

Morning in Downtown Bentonville

We rose early the next morning and were out of the house by 8 a.m. Before going to the airport, we had plans to meet Scott’s niece and nephew in Downtown Bentonville.

For those of you who didn’t know, Bentonville is where the headquarters of Walmart is located!

Pictured above is The Spark Cafe, a bakery and coffee shop dedicated to the brand, and pictured below is the very first Walmart store. Ever.

Sam Walton opened his first five and dime store in Bentonville Town Square back in 1950!

Today, that humble little store is the location of the Walmart Visitor Center, and is still filled with some of the classic sellers.

Who would have thought such a big corporation started off this small?

Pretty neat!

We ended up eating breakfast at Press Room, a charming little cafe that offers tons of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

All four of us ordered the Breakfast Tacos, but I asked to substitute chicken sausage for the regular chorizo.

Inside of whole wheat tortillas was chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro, and it came with a side of homemade salsa and orange slices. They also had a ton of specialty coffee drinks that I missed out on by ordering a regular coffee as soon as I sat down. The others had drinks like Cocunut Vanilla and Creme Brulee Mocha lattes. YUM.

I would go back there in a heart beat!

Coming home and seeing family is always bittersweet. After a week of being away from home, Scott and I were ready to go back but already miss the familiar faces we were able to see.

Until next summer, Hesington family! We love you!