The Story of Us: Family Vacation {Branson Style}

11 August 2014

Family Vacation {Branson Style}

Preface--Yes I woulda, coulda, probably shoulda broke this up into a few post, but it was long over due. So without further ado our vacay in 100 pictures give or take 50.

Mid July we took our first ever real family vacay!

The last time we got away I was 8 weeks pregnant with Leighton!

We decided that it would be best to head out after I got off work Monday night. We figured this way the kids would be winding down and would drift off to dream land at some point. {you know pie in the sky dreams.}

The windmills. I love these, so pretty.

Faking to be asleep. Oh where were we going?! Branson! So only a 4.5 hour trip.

She actually did past out about 1.5 before we arrived!! Actually they both did. It was bliss. Chad and I able to speak more than 2 sentences without interruption.

We arrived at the condo my parents and family was renting around 10p. The kids were sleepy, but very excited to be there and see papa, grammy and meg!

We all shared a King size bed, which was a vacation compared to sharing our Queen at home with them. HA!

The next morning they ran around the condo thinking that WAS the vacation.

A special treat the Disney channel. Great operation vacay is complete--fun condo and Disney channel. HA!

Once we pried the kids away from the Disney channel we headed out to a trail by Table Rock.

We had amazing weather in Branson. Mid 70s to low 80s. Lovely. It was actually brisk this morning.

Splashing in the lake.

I thought this was so cool, we stumbled upon the Branson Belle and these cute shops--one named LAYTON's! She never finds anything with her name on it {minus magazine covers aka Leighton Meester where her name came from} so she was thrilled.

The Belle.

Mommy and MW needed a little afternoon snooze, so Papa took Leighton and daddy to the fish hatchery.

Then they came back for us, told us to get up and took us to Bass Pro. To my kids Cabelas is a vacay, so Bass Pro would be to die for. However, I didn't realize this wasn't the Mother store, but it sufficed. Fun was had.

For my little Red Head.

Later that night we went to the Track. Lo wanted photo booth pictures, so we crawled in and I just put my phone on reverse and snapped. Free wins every time.

Lo got to go kart with Uncle Kreg since Hollis at the last minute decided he wasn't up for it. She had a blast. The smoked Aunt Misa and Landrey. :)

The first day was the longest. We left the kids to grammy and my dad took us to Branson Landing. Totally wishing I looked better, but an evening out is still worth documenting.

The fountains.

{Day 2}

So I have been participating in the beachbody challenges my cousin is hosting. It's an online fitness thing. This month was Piyo. And yes, I did it on vacay with Meg and Lo. Fitness doesn't sleep. :)

On our way to where dreams come true---in the midwest. Silver Dollar City.

We rode the tram in while daddy and papa walked...it was a tie. :)

First stop the cave. Super fun. Totally recommend it and you should do it first thing. We were the 2nd tour in! The kids even loved it.

Meg, Papa and I took these two silly girls on the American Plunge. It was a bit chilly so water rides weren't exactly first choice, but we couldn't let these faces down.

Lo the brave up front!!! I was freakin out and hugging my dad super tight. The older you get the less fun it seems.

I couldn't believe MW fell asleep. Lo and I were in line for a ride and the next thing I know he is past out.

We had so much fun!

After this Meg talked me into riding the BIG SWING. Let me let you in on a few things about me--
1. I hate heights 2. I hate swings. Let's recap this ride 1. It swings 2. VERY VERY high.
We stood in line and I have 5 little pre-teens tell me how awesome this ride is and how it isn't as bad as I am making it out to be. I was bordering on a full on panic attack, but little Meg had no one to ride with, so I stayed--I mean how bad could it be--I am sure these pre-teens are right. They assured me it was four passes and then over. I climb on. Deep breathes. Then it took off. Fast and high. My heart and stomach sank. I gripped Meg's hand and screamed. I closed my eyes tight as pure unadulterated fear washed over me. I counted 1-2-3-4 it's over please let it be over. I walked off that ride and those little pre-teens found me and asked me how I did? I told them they lied and that it was THE worst moment of my life. I walked straight out of the ride and into Chad's arms where I broke down crying. Crying people like a billowing baby. The fear response was too much. Meg felt bad, but I was like 10% glad I did it for her the rest was just glad to be off that ride.

{I know this is the Dolly wood image, but basically the same thing}

Start at sec 38.

More fun and antics.

A fun house.

The train ride.

A Train Robbery!!

{Day3}

Ride the Duck

This was such a fun experience. The kids loved being on a bus sans carseats and of course quacking their quackers. MW loved using this to wake us up in the morning.

An original dckw {duck}

Plunging into the lake.

Our hilarious driver! He was so much fun.

The kids all got turns to drive in the water. MW did a donut it he was a crazy driver.

Lo gave this experience a THUMBS UP.

We ended the evening with our first ever putt putt trip.

The kids both did really well. It definitely something we will do again.

Now a tour of the condo.

It was a truly lovely condo.

My mom pretending all she did was cook. :)

It was on a golf course and the kids liked to watch the golfers go by.
Last day photos.

After we departed we were headed to KC for a family wedding. But first stop the Mother Bass Pro store. When the kids walked in their mouths dropped and were beside themselves.