Branson 2011

One of our best memories- laughing until we cried on the boat ride!

Myles fell asleep in Mom's arms

Two years ago my in-laws took us to Branson, MO for the first time. Admittedly, neither Spencer and I were really that excited about it, mostly because we had a 1 year old and a 2 year old, at the time and family vacations had been stressful in the past. It was an amazing trip though and we couldn't wait to go again. Maybe because we figured out how to “switch out” the parenting responsibilities to give each other a vacation or maybe just because Branson is that much fun!

This year, we went for a week of Branson fun with the in-laws, minus Spencer’s sister, husband and four kids. We missed them, but still had a great time. 
We had a boat reservation, but of course it was for the only day that we had rain all morning. We still ventured out and held our breath as lightning flashed around us and the thunder was rolling. At one point we all started laughing hysterically as the rain pounded down on us. It was so comical, all of us out there, the only boat on the water and with two little babies and three kids. You had to be there, but it turned out to be a fantastic day on the boat, as soon as the rain let up.  

The kids got a turn alone on the tube. It lasted until dad revved up and they all fell in. Spencer and I had to use our lifeguard skills to get out there to them quickly. Everyone was fine of course, but we decided not to send them out again without more body weight. We made sure they "got back on the horse", so they wouldn't be scared to try again!

Myles is such a water baby. Just like his sisters; fearless and ready to swim. We love the pool there plus it is just steps from the house we rent.

Papau's buddy, he slept in their closet and loved it when Papau would rescue him from the pack'n'play every morning.

Nanny and Bompa also joined us this year again. The Bievers are long time family friends, practically family, and enjoyed watching all the clever and cute things the kids were doing every minute!

Silver Dollar City Fun!

We tried any rides we could get on. Since school had started in town, SDC was fairly empty. It was Gospel week so the only problem was trying to stay out of the way of the crazy old people on their electric wheel chairs. Watch out!

June is so cute. Haydee loved holding her real life "dolly".

We had to celebrate Myles's first birthday together with some messy chocolate cake.

These are just some of my favorite pictures. We took hundreds of them, between all the cameras. It was another wonderful week together full of great memories. We are so grateful and were blessed to have another vacation thanks to my in-laws!

Sorry about the crazy layout. One of these days I will learn how to do this better, but in effort to not make this post three pages long, well, this is how it turned out.

   Cousins and friends!