Shopping and Swimming!!

Monday and Tuesday here in Branson were spent relaxing! Branson has lots of different outlet malls so Monday morning we all went to the outlets. The girls have been waiting for what they thought was forever for flip flops, but they finally got to pick some out. Then the afternoon was filled with fun at the pool.

Tuesday we followed the same pattern execpt Trav and Kole opted not to do the shopping in the morning!!

All three kids have gotten quite comfortable in the water since being here and going swimming everyday!!

Dixie Stampede

Sunday night we had the opportunity to go to Dixie Stampede. Our niece Darcie who lives nearby had a friend that works at the show so we were able to get a great deal on our tickets. Darcie also drove down from Springfield and enjoyed the show with us. We arrived early so we could look at all the horses that would be in the show.

Ella looks less than thrilled about the picture here!

We also tried to take a family picture out in front! The sun was in our eyes and it was really hot so this is what we setted for.

Once we got into the building we had a group picture taken. Then we went to the carriage room for some preshow entertainment. It was a comedian/juggler. He was very good and even kept Kole's attention. Then it was time to go into the arena!! We were not allowed to take pictures in the arena, but it was a great show. The kids had a hard time eating all their food because they were so busy watching. You also have to eat with your hands. They don't give you any silverware!! There was buffalo, trick ponies, square dancing on horseback. Then came the battle of the north vs south. We were seated on the south side of the arena. There were several different competetions to see which side was better. One race was the chicken race. They choose two kids from the north and south and they chase chickens across the arena. Kayla(Darcie's friend) our server got the girls to be the chasers from the south. It was great fun to watch and Addi had her's across the line first and then had to come back to help Ella and they got beat in a very close race. The got medals and a book from Dolly for being part of the show!! There were several races after this including barrel races, pig races, and wagon races. The south did end up winning. We had a great time and went down after the show to get a quick picture with one of the riders. You can tell they had a great time. This is after 9 at night and they are all smiles.


The girls proudly showing off their medals!!

First Days in Branson

We had the opportunity this year to take a week long vacation to Branson. We left at 5 AM on Saturday morning. Pauline (Trav's mom) has a timeshare here so we are traveling with her. The kids did great and we arrived at our resort by 6 and we even stopped three times. Our last stop before arriving was at a cool restaurant named Lambert's. They had huge portions and they brought around lots of extra food to your table like fried okra, black eyed peas, fried potatoes. The highlight of this restaurant was the buns. All you have to do is hold up your hand and they will toss you the bun. The kids loved watching the buns fly though the air. We even managed to catch all but one that they threw!
Sunday morning we got up and went to this neat little church that Pauline and Bruce had found on previous trips. After church we came back to our rooms to eat and enjoy the swimming pool. It is very hot down here. It has been in the upper 90s!!!! After swimming it was time to rest up because our niece who lives down here got us tickets to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede!!

According to Ella!

This morning Ella, Kole, and I took a bike ride. I informed her that we would be going over the bumbly bridge(a wooden foot bridge in town). Ella replied, "Oh goodie Mom I love the bumbly bridge, I would hug it if I could."

The kids were waiting for me in the car while I ran into the post office and got stamps. I got back to the car and asked Ella if I was fast. "Yes Mom your as fast as a pea!?"

Ew gross!!

The other night at supper the girls were protesting how Kole was choosing to eat his food. (He had put chips into his pudding and was eating it!) We then reminded Ella that she had eaten worse. Such as dirt, worms, Miracle Grow, etc. Ella's eyes got huge and she responded with "Wow, I was quite a crazy baby!"

Spring Concert

A few weeks ago Addi had her spring concert at school. She loves singing and this is always a highlight to be able to perform in public. The concert was entitled "The Great Outdoors!" Addi's class sang several songs including "The Honey Bee Song" which is am still hearing a few weeks later! They also did "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" which is what the video is of.

We were quite amused with the different faces she makes while she sings. It almost looks like this pains her.

Ella really enjoyed the concert. She sat in the walkway to watch much of it. She also tried to copy the kids actions.

Greeting Daddy in his room after the concert!

Kindergarten and first grade singing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight!"

If I were the mommy.....

About 5 minutes after I was finished cleaning up from lunch today Koleson asked me for a snack. I of course told him no. Ella quickly replied 'If I were the mommy I would let him have one!'