Branson - Day #3 Silver Dollar City

We spent almost a full day here...it was a good thing we split it up and came after 3! On Thursday I decided not to take the big camera and just use my phone, so some of these are a little blurry.

At the start of our day, by the old time fire truck, with our maps. Caden navigated us most of the day.

Checking out how the make log cabins...

Then we headed around to the old time school house. Each child wrote their name on the slate boards.

Crosby did SO GREAT all day! He just watched everyone and slept when he got tired!

Cory rode Powderkeg and the boys loved watching him take off!

Caden made a wax hand. This was the start of it. They dipped it several times in wax, then ice water, then he colored it. It was black and orange!

We got a lesson on broom making...

The boys were intrigued...

pretty fascinating, really!

Then we headed to the Grand Exposition area for some good old fashion rides!

Waiting in line for the roller coaster.

Momma and Cole on the flying elephants.

Carter on his flying elephant.

Caden was a couple of cars ahead of us.

Then Daddy got to go on the pirate boat swing.

By this point, Crosby was tired, so he napped while we played a little longer.

On our way out, we dipped a few candles.

Then we watched them blow glass. I think Cory got a few of those photos on his phone, so I will blog those later! It was a fun filled day and we can't wait to go back!

Branson - Day #2 - Ride the Ducks

Morning of Day 2 started off EARLY!!! We were all up and ready to go in time for the first duck ride of the day! We did several things on this day, so I will break up the posts as best I can!

Here are two of my cuties! Caden was being really helpful, getting Crosby ready to go!

Once we got our tickets there wasn't much time to look around at anything, we just got our quackers and got on board!

Momma, Caden, and Crosby ready to ride.

Daddy, Carter, and Cole ready to ride.

About 10 minutes into the ride, this is what Crosby did, he took about an 45 minute snooze! Such a trooper!Caden took a turn driving the duck!

Carter's turn...

Cole sort of had a turn :)

Table Rock Dam

Hanging with "New" Friends

We were able to meet some very special people in Branson on Tuesday afternoon! I can't remember how far back I made up this idea, but I can't believe it finally happened. Devin and I met through our blogs, again I can't remember how far back, but it has been at least 3 years or more! Over the years, we have read about each other's lives, then started emailing, exchanging cards, texting, calling, and now facebooking! We have tons in common especially our kids! So it just clicked!

We truly feel like the best of friends...only one catch, we have never SEEN each other face to face!!! The hubbies didn't want to meet up in just a random tourist place, so Cory had the BRILLIANT idea to have them come to our condo, swim a little, and cook dinner. You know sort of like we would do with friends in our home (you know minus the pool!)

It worked out perfectly! The kids were fast friends, the hubbies got along, and of course Devin and I were great!!! We swam for a bit, let the kids watch a movie and relax, chatted, cooked dinner, cleaned up, and just had a good ol' time!

We didn't get a pic of us before we hit the pool, so again you will have to wait. But here are some cute ones of the kids...

Back row: Carter, Caden, Cameron, and Cole. Front row: Crosby, Lola, Colin, and Ethan.

Carter, Cole, Cameron, Colin, Caden, and Ethan watching a movie.

Branson - Day #1 Dino Museum

Day 1 started off bright and early, considering we had a late evening the day before. We got in REALLY late from our drive and I was hoping the kids would sleep in a bit, but Crosby was up by 6:45 which is kind of late for him, and the others followed shortly after. But this worked a tad in our favor. We fed them poptarts at the condo then headed to Cracker Barrel for us! YUMMO!

Starting our morning off with a before picture. On the porch in front of the condo!After breakfast, this was our first stop! Carter said as we walked up to the door, "I bet I am going to love this place!" These dinos were HUGE. Someone used real fossils to scuplt and paint LIFE SIZE versions of the creatures. My boys loved it!

Crosby was being so good! He really seemed to enjoy staring at the dinosaurs and watching the boys run around.Cory being goofy with the Triceratops.

Mr. Tyrannosaurus Rex

After we looked at all the dinos, there was a cool fossil dig, fun gift shop, and a dino bounce house. Crosby and I enjoyed watching the boys jump.

This was only the morning of Day 1, more pics to come :)

Red Dirt Challenge

Cory participated in the Red Dirt Challenge again this year. So we loaded up the herd again and headed out! It was a beautiful day, great company, and tons of fun! Here are a few shots of the day.

Cory getting stretched and ready! I love these two boys! I pray they continue to be best buds as they grow up!

Crosby was enjoying himself so much this morning!

Here is a great shot of Cory at the start of the race. He looks way to happy doesn't he?!?!Grammie joined us this year, so there is an actual pic of me and the boys at the big event! Thanks for tagging along Grammie, we are so glad you did!

Cory and Chad finishing up in the pit. This is right before Cory clothes-lined himself on the rope. He has a nasty bruise on his shoulder, chin, and mouth!

Cory and Chad finished strong again! Cory enjoyed it again and said it really wasn't that bad!

The kids had a chance to participate again this year. They added to the kid challenge by adding a set of tires along with the cattle guard! I didn't really watch Caden and Carter, they were too fast. Cole needed some serious assistance, so I helped him out!

Carter didn't want to get down in the mud, tried to walk through the whole thing.

Cole was okay at first, but then had a serious meltdown, I had to go in and get him.

I didn't get any pics of Caden before because he was too fast. I heard he did well, like 4th place or so. Several of the kids got back in the mud after the race...

Beating the Heat

Today we passed some time outside in the water, trying to beat the heat :)

Crosby and I sat in the shade watching all the fun.
Soon my boy, soon!

A First For Crosby

We got snowcones today after Caden's basketball camp and I let Crosby taste it for the first time.

What are you putting in my mouth?

His expression is priceless!

Not so sure about this.

Whatcha got over there Mom? Can I have some more?

Mmmm, that really is good!