Can't Silence These Lambs: BRANSON!!!!

We made reservations to go to Branson over Springbreak back in January. Todd and Jennie found a great deal on a beautiful, absolutetly gorgous 3 bedroom apartment, so we were excited about the invite. When it finally came time to go we were excited about a much needed vacation. My brother also had his wreck the week before so we were glad that we were all able to go and spend some time together as a family. Below are some pictures and some weekend adventures.

We left on a Saturday early morning and didn't get back til late Monday.

ready to go! waiting on Aunt Kelley

me and Kell took the Solora since Kelley had to come back Sunday because of work. We followed Mike and the boys. The first few miles we were laughing so hard because we couldn't keep up with Mike. I finally had to call him and remind him that we were following him.

We took a few wrong turns...technically known as really big circles, but we finally made it to our first stop. Silver dollar City.

First ride, the boys favorite. The Great American Shootout. The boys get guns and get to shoot at Targets.

End of the ride. Time to relax

We - or should I say - Alex - enjoyed the frozen lemonade. A SDC tradition

Grandpa took Mary Frannie on the big rollar coasters - this kid has no fear

I took her on Wild fire

Mike took Alex on the catipillars

One of the last things we did was all ride the train. We all enjoyed the chance to sit down and take a ride around the park together.

Next stop - to check in at Big Cedar Lodge

Beautiful views on the drive there

we arrived!!!

you have to drive through 3 waterfalls on the way to check in. They are gorgeous. The first time we ever went to Big Cedar me and Mike were the only car around and we seriously didn't think you were suppose to drive through. We were laughing here because my sister is in front of us and we were talking about what she was probably thinking when she drove her car through the first waterfall.

First event - smores on the "beach" The kids sure enjoyed it.

After smores we headed back to the apartment for dinner. Jennie and Todd brought 2 delicious lasagnas and salad and bread. We also had some corn on the cobb and fruit and cheesedip. It was a great meal. It made it so much easier to eat with the kids having a full kitchen and place to sit down. Much more relaxing and fun than a restaurant for me these days. Best part is the living room had a big TV with March Madness on so that was fun to watch too.

After dinner we got ready for bed. Me and Mike took the blow up mattress so the kids could sleep together. They sure enjoyed cousin time.

Sunday morning we got bundled up and ready to go fishing. It was less than 40 degress - we weren't sure about this adventure, but Big Cedar puts a fishing tournement on every Sunday morning for the kids for free and even give out trophys so we thought it would be fun to take the kids.

Grandpa hopped in the car with us

WELL - when we pulled up to the pond we found out the fishing derby must have gotten canceled due to the cold weather. We told the boys the fish were too cold so we headed back to the apartment to get our swimming suits on to swim in the indoor heated pool.

Alex finally got brave enough this trip to go down the slide!

Max loves the slide too

Sunday afternoon after swimming we decided to go shopping. Mike stayed back at the apartment with the boys. Me, Mom, Kelley, Jennie, Kelley, and Mary Frannie went to the Branson Landing. I had a lot of fun, I am so glad I went. I was so thankful Mike stayed back wtih the boys - my dad - todd - and Laney and Mabry for naps, tv time, and putt putt.

we found my mom some shoes for her Holland trip!

just a few pairs :)

I also found me three long dresses at Belk, and Jennie had some luck too....

We got icecream!!! It was a wait, but well worth the wait. It was delicious.

Found Tracy a shirt for her Birthday. - She is a nurse

Found me a shirt that fit my current career pretty good.

not the best picture of me but the only one we took, so I had to include it. We were a little tired and being goofy on teh shopping trip.

sunday night TV on the bed with the cousins

Monday morning - time to pack up!!! The kids were a big help deflating the mattress - Mike too

We headed to Tanger outlet. A trip to Branson isn't complete without stopping by the outlets. We stopped for a while and found a ton of great deals. Us adults took turns hanging out with the kids in the cards watching movies.

Time to head home...

Possibly inappropriate picture but hilarious story. Alex was yelling he had to pee and could not hold it. We drove fast for a gas station but finally decided just to pull over. Mike pulled over on a huge hill so when we opened our doors they flung open and you had to be careful not to fall down the hill. Mike got out and helped Alex use the bathroom. We thought he was finished than squatted to poop. Yep - no stopping him - so he pooped on the side of the road while me and Mike were laughing and hoping no one drove by. We cleaned him up and back in the car we went. I guess that whole experience was better than him having an accident? we're still debating :)