Spring Trip, Part 2 (Video Included)

After staying up late on Tuesday night, while riding out tornado alarms, we woke up early on Wednesday morning and hit the road. Our destination, Mountain View, Arkansas. More specifically, The Ozark Folk Center. There we introduced Violet to folk art, music, crafts, and so much more. The Ozark Folk Center is like walking through time where you get to experience life as a pioneer would.

Violet was surprised by the simplicity of life during that time period. Practically everything she has is made in an unknown location, packaged nicely, and then purchased. She had never seen things like baskets and quilts being made by actual human hands. The center is dotted with little interactive shops where you can watch things being made and then purchase something if you wish to. Our first stop was at a jewelry shop that had beautiful silver work. I'm kicking myself now for walking away from an amazingly detailed silver dogwood ornament. It was absolutely beautiful.

We saw beautiful dolls being made from corn husks...


Basket weaving...


My favorite basket was partially made out of a gourd...


Violet experienced a one room school house...


As you can see, she took this very seriously...


After cutting up in class, I decided Violet needed to do a little manual labor. There's always laundry needing to be done...


Only problem is, she was enjoying herself too much!


We visited a few cabins and then had an afternoon snack of ice cream and fried pies. Afterwards, we needed to work off the calories we had just consumed so we checked out some live music that was taking place. There was an old-fashioned Hoe-Down starting up. The band consisted of a guitar, violin, and straight bass, along with an occasional banjo or dulcimer (who did some amazing rhythm with her feet), and a "caller" (someone telling you what steps you're about to make). This is where the day took off for Violet and the memories will last her a lifetime.



After some encouraging on my part (and her Mimi & Grandpa), Violet got up and joined in the dancing. She was the youngest, and the shortest, dancer in the whole group. Thankfully her dance partner was gracious beyond measure and had a great way with my little girl. Before long, her giggles were heard above the music.



We cooled off on a free old-fashioned carousel ride that is powered by a donkey. Violet was so enamoured by the donkey called Tango that she purchased a toy donkey in the gift shop for her souvenir. It should come as no surprise that she named her toy Tango. From there, we returned to our cabin to freshen up and rest a bit before we went out to eat and then to the concert.


At the concert we heard a fantastic couple play. Atwater & Donnelly. I had never heard of them before but their music was great and they deserve their own post, which will come after this one. In the meantime, I want to brag on Violet a little. The gentleman who played the guitar earlier in the day recognized Violet and asked her to come up on stage and dance for the audience. His words...

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a young lady that is sitting up here in front of the stage. She has a toy donkey with her that hasn't stopped dancing during this whole concert. We'd like for her come up here with her donkey and dance for you fine folks. And let me tell you this, she will literally light up the stage with her feet!

As you can imagine, I am one extremely proud Momma!!! My baby girl busted out of her shyness and grabbed the opportunity to dance in front of an audience of strangers! And you can bet the farm on the fact that I was the first, and the loudest, to cheer for Violet once the song was over!