Branson Fun!

We were so blessed by our friends, the Cupps'. They gave us 3 nights at a Timeshare in Branson! It was wonderful to get away and spend some much needed family time together at the end of the summer! We went to Silver Dollar City, did Ride the Ducks, and went on a Train ride, but my favorite thing may have been just relaxing at the hotel!

On Wednesday we slept in and then went to downtown Branson to Dicks .5 and .10, and then we had lunch at the Hard Luck Diner. That was a lot of fun...one of the waiters came up and sang right to Mackenzie and Madison....they were mesmerized by it! I wish I had a picture of Mackenzie's face when that guy was singing right to her. It was priceless! So of course, we took pictures with him! It is fun to go back to places like this that we have been to several times! I remember going there on the Ladies' Trip right after we got married, with Brian's family for Tom and Lyn's 25th Anniversary, and a few years ago before Madison was born. We also got to take a new family picture (this time Madison was out of my tummy!) in the big wooden rocking chair! The girls' looked so cute and little up there! Madison was okay with it until Mackenzie got out of the chair. She didn't want to be left in there alone! After that, we went back to our hotel and took naps and then did Ride the Ducks. For dinner, we got Wendy's and took it back to our room. Then, we went swimming! It was a busy, fun day!

Riding the horse at Dick's .5 and .10! Madison got this little pink kitty and Mackenzie got a puppy dog in a little purse! Madison doesn't look like she's having much fun!

Lunch at The Hard Luck Diner!

All of the waiters and waitresses sing while you eat...Mackenzie loved it when he sang to her! Brian was behind us taking pictures, so you can't see her face but it was precious!

Madison was totally fascinated by it too!

So you know me, I had to have a picture of the girls' with him! His name was John and he was glad to take a picture with two pretty little girls!

I think they had a crush on him!

A lady at the next time took a picture of all of us...I am cracking up at Mackenzie hanging onto him like this!

The big wooden chair, where I have taken pictures many times! It just wouldn't be a trip to Branson without a picture in this big chair! The last time we were in Branson, I was 6 months pregnant with Madison! So glad she could be in the picture this time!

Look how little they are!

I love how Madison is hanging onto Mackenzie's leg! Not sure what that scowl is all about!

She definitely let us know that she didn't like being left in that big chair by herself!

Mackenzie wanted her picture taken by Santa! Brian was proud of me...I didn't even enter the Christmas store this time!

We found a fun toy store and the girls loved this unicorn! We tried to tell daddy this would look really cute in their room but he didn't go for it!

Madison loved riding on this train! Mackenzie wanted to ride it to, but she got in trouble for back talking and we had to leave the store before she got a chance to ride. I don't like having to get onto her at all, but she is really testing her limits these days! She was very upset about not getting to ride the train.

After our naps, we had a quick snack and then headed out to Ride the Ducks! We have two little Cookie Monsters!

Are these sweet, or what?! It's hard to believe our little baby is 17 months old already!

They put on a Play for us with their umbrellas! Madison thinks anything Mackenzie does is fabulous! It is fun to watch her follow her around and laugh at her!

It wouldn't be vacation without a trip to the pool! Madison was ready to go!

Our little water baby!

Happy sitting on the steps!

On Thursday, after the train ride, we went to IHOP and had brunch and then went back to our room and took NAPS!!! Yea for naps! Mackenzie doesn't hardly take them anymore, so neither do I! Somehow, we managed to all take naps at the same time two days in a row on this vacation! After our nap, we went shopping at Tanger Outlet stores and Branson Landing. We found Mackenzie a backpack and lunchbox at the Disney Store...she picked Ariel! I am still very sad (and happy) that she is about to start ELP. It is strange to have such mixed emotions about something! We shopped and shopped for a cute outfit for her first day of school, but didn't find anything yet. We ended the day by ordering out from Shorty Smalls and relaxing in our room. We colored, played Mickey Mouse Yahtzee, played Hide and Seek, and took baths in the Jacuzzi tub in our room!

On our way home Friday, we stopped for lunch at Lambert's Cafe, where they throw rolls to you! We made a lot of wonderful memories on this little vacation! I am always a little sad when fun times like this come to an end. The good news is that this was kind of a mini pre-vacation for us! In about three weeks, we are headed to San Antonio and Port Aransas for a week...yea! I can't wait! Family vacations are the best!