make new friends, but ke-ep the o-ld...

We love visitors.

This week, we had three. Hannah, Jonathan, & their adorable pomeranian pup, Scout.

Entertaining an out-of-towner in OKC for several days might be problematic for some, but our lovely guests made it quite easy and loads of fun!

Of course, we checked out the tourist front-runners...the OKC bombing memorial and Bricktown. We even got to ride the canal boats, something us 'okies' have never actually done. We hit up Cattleman's for world- and presidentially-famous steaks...and 'lamb fries'. [which are lamb testicles, in case you've gone your whole life without knowing people ate such. and yes, Jonathan made sure and have our waitress explain to us what we were eating.] We also 'found-the-fun' at the oklahoma city zoo, lounged by the pool, and hung out at our place - cooking, watching movies, and mastering the Wii. For the fourth, we packed up a picnic lunch and headed south to Turner Falls. ...and, we'll have to go back, because the park was 'closed'...due to overcrowding. So, our handy little GPS led us over to Chickasaw National Park, just a few miles away - known for it's hiking trails, cool water, and numerous natural springs. That night we caught UCO's legendary firewords display, which was unbelievable... CNN even ranked it one of the top 10 shows in the U.S.! For the fifth, we headed out to the Chaloner's house for a little more fun outside the city limits. The four of us went out to Red Rock Canyon during the day...later, we grilled out, played volleyball, rode scooters, shot off fireworks, and made s'mores around the fire... a very norman rockwell portrait of America's birthday if I do say so myself.

at the Bombing Memorial

Before our bricktown canal boat ride. Now we have all these useless facts and lame jokes about downtown oklahoma city. no seriously, it was just what I was hoping for.

'twas a sunset cruise...

We kept Hannah & Jonathan in the heat when they were here,

Thursday's trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo.

visiting lion country.

the chilly waters of Chickasaw natural springs.

all four of us after a little hike up to Buffalo springs.

now, at antelope springs. Lots of wildlife here, apparently.

enjoying the fireworks on the fourth.

This is the 'before' Scout. He didn't enjoy the loud noises so much.

Headed up the 'indian steps' in Red Rock Canyon, right in Aaron's hometown.

Red Rock Canyon.

...all eleven of us hit the court, I can't even remember which team won. Jonathan was definitely MVP. ...and I, should really learn how to play.

Hannah & I headed out for a scooter ride. [I ran over a live snake!]

And, of course, with Hannah & I together - you know this visit was well documented - all pictures here.

Everyone's always saying to eachother "Come and see us...." and I love that Hannah & Jonathan actually did! & spent some of their vacation time to come visit us in lil' ole Oklahoma. We had such a blast getting to hang out with you guys!

Who's next? :)