Oklahoma....Baby!

This past week we went to Oklahoma to visit our good friends, Bert and Adreann Liddell, and their adorable kids, Kennedy, Sadie and Dallin. Here are some pictures of some of the fun things we did.

It was Brexton's first time flying in an airplane. He was really excited, and loved seeing all the different airplanes. We thought he would fall asleep on the plane since he only got 5 hours of sleep the night before, but he was so excited he wouldn't sleep.

This is our plane, as we were boarding

Brexton sitting by Bryson, checking everything out.

Brexton, with his books and treats.

When Brex got bored, we let him watch a movie on the i-pod. This is a picture of him laughing at the movie- he is so much like his dad. When we were coming home from Hawaii, (our honeymoon) Bryson was watching According to Jim and kept busting up to the point he was crying, and everyone kept looking at him- because he didn't realize he was laughing so loud. Like father, like son!

We stayed with the Liddell's at their home at the Altus Air Force Base. This is the bowling alley on base- it was pretty cool. I am a mad bowler, and totally blew everyone away- no one knew it what was coming. Seriously, I really did kick butt!

The group. Brexton, Bryson, Hayden, Dallin, Bert, Kennedy, Sadie and Adreann.

Bert and Bryson grillin' peaches- so yummy with ice cream!

Spending time together when all the kids were in bed!

Bert and Adreann took us to this dumpy (for real) little restaurant called Meers- it was literally in the middle of nowhere- for real. Not an attractive place by all means- but the food was AMAZING! I can't remember the last time I had diet RC cola! It was so good!

Brex drinking his root beer.

Bryson drinking RC cola out of a mason jar.

A beautiful view from Scott's Mountain (I think that's what it's called). It wasn't much of a mountain- but it was sure gorgeous. I can't believe how windy it was- it was crazy.

Roaming buffalo on the side of the road.

There was a really sweet swimming pool on base that we spent a lot of time at since it was over 100 degrees everyday. We weren't expecting it to be so hot and humid, but the pool was a great place to cool off!

Going down the frog slide in the kiddie pool.

Bryson catching Brex on the dolphin slide.

We took a trip to Oklahoma City and went to Frontier City (kind of like a western Lagoon). I found out that Bryson, Bert and Adreann are all a bunch of wimps when it comes to rides- but we had a blast- and so did the kids!

Bumper boats.

Swings.

Me and Brex on the dragon.

An exhausted bunch.

We went down to the Oklahoma City National Memorial of those who were killed in the 1995 bombing. It was really neat seeing the Field of Empty Chairs with each chair honoring one of the 168 people who were killed. They have them arranged to show the nine floors and those on each floor- and then there are small chairs that represent the children that died- so sad.

The memorial consisted of:

Gates of Time-Two monumental gates stand as entrances to the Memorial site and frame the moment of destruction.

Reflecting Pool-Standing 3/4 of an inch deep, the calming water of this pool stands where 5th Street once stood, and shows the reflection of someone changed forever by their visit to the Memorial.
Field of Empty Chairs-168 chairs stand in nine rows, each representing a floor of the building, and represent the 168 lives lost on April 19, 1995. The field is located in what was the footprint of the building.
Survivor Wall-More than 600 survivors, all of whom have told their story to the Memorial, are listed by building on salvaged pieces of granite mounted on the only remaining intact wall of the Murrah Building.
The Survivor Tree-The Survivor Tree, an American Elm, bears witness to the violence of April 19 and now stands as a profound symbol of human resilience. The circular promontory surrounding the tree offers a place for gathering and viewing the Memorial.

Rescuers' Orchard-Like the people who rushed in from near and far to lend a helping hand, this army of fruit and flower bearing trees surrounds and protects the Survivor Tree.

Children's Area-In the aftermath of the blast, countless expressions of encouragement were received from children. A wall of hand painted tiles sent to Oklahoma City in 1995 by children illustrates that caring. In addition, a series of chalkboards creates an oversized display of these works where children can continue to share their feelings -- an important component of the healing process.
The Fence-What started as a protective barrier for the site became a symbol of support and hope as people from around the world left notes, stuffed animals, wreaths and other mementos after the bombing. A 200-foot section of the fence now sits on the "healing" western side of the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, and visitors still leave items on a daily basis.

Bryson and the Field of Chairs.

A gate and the reflecting pool. Pretty neat- huh?

Walking along the fence.

After seeing the memorial, we went to a yummy Italian restaurant on the riverwalk, where we stuffed our faces. We were all super hungry and worn out from the long day- it was a nice place to relax.

After a fantastic week, we eventually had to come home. It was such a great trip. We all had a wonderful time with the Liddell's. They were so great to let us crash at their place and entertain and feed us for a week. We will always treasure their friendship.

Leaving Dallas, 105 degrees, to come home to Utah, 52 degrees! (We definitely won't miss the heat!)