For the past 3 summers our dear friends and us have taken a vacation together to Branson. We did it the first year and had such fun that when the next summer rolled around we quickly planned another getaway. This summer, being our last one here before moving overseas, we decided to keep the vacation turned tradition going for one more trip. We went out with a bang scheduling a longer trip than previous years.
It's been pretty amazing that each year we have all been able to pile in one van and travel together. We got the packing light part down! Well, except for Macy and her 100 stuffed animals. :)
On the way to Branson the kids were very excited to stop at McDonalds. Especially because there was a play place. Judson had fun watching the other kids play. He was too scared to try it out.
We made it! We were in Branson from Tuesday evening to Saturday morning and never ate out once. We had good grocery planning this year.
Of course we had to check out the pools on the first night. Swimming is our #1 activity along with relaxing. I think that is why we get along so well doing vacation together.
Caught the perfect moment of glee from Judson!
Like I said.....RELAXING!
And SWIMMING!
We like to generate our own more cost effective fun. We hired this driver to take us on a "ride" around the resort. The kids thought this was the coolest. Kids Happy=Parent Score=Pocket Book Score=Win-Win-Win
Just more relaxing.......
Pancakes and eggs is what's for dinner.
Kaden and Macy went and did a couple of the planned activities for kids. They made some pretty sweet sandart and fairy gardens.
After a few days of Matt and I pressuring Jason and Jessie to go to Silver Dollar City they finally gave in. They were glad they did! :)
Waiting on Kaden and Macy to come off of their first ever roller coaster ride.
They survived and LOVED it!
Can you find them?
Judson in the past has hated rides. This year he was so brave. There was even a little kids roller coaster that I thought for sure he would not want to ride. The other kids wanted to ride it and I asked Judson if he wanted to ride the turbo train too. He responded in his barely audible "yeah." As we waited I asked him another 25 times if he was sure he wanted to ride the turbo train. He kept saying yeah, so when it was our turn we got on. He scooted in right next to me. I could tell he was really nervous but trying to be brave. He did so good and even lifted his hand to wave at Matt for a moment before immediately hanging on for dear life again. :)
Crazy crew!
The barn swing. Not Kaden's favorite and he was happy when it was over.
Last summer we found a sweet trail that leads to a tower. We went back this year for a hike.
The kids had fun running ahead. Quickly after this picture Judson is left in the dust. His little legs kept trying to catch up.
Found the tower.
View from the top!
These boys have fun together. This vacation they really bonded.
Last day heading to the pool.
Judson made big progress swimming on this trip. He started off vacation clinging to our necks and by the end was doggie paddling all around the pool by himself!
Another full bank of memories with the Drahota family. Glad to have special friends like them! We are going to miss doing life together. From the laughing till you cry to sharing deep struggles, it all will be missed!
