Family trip to Branson MO

Our family vacation this year involved driving to Branson and enjoying a week in a fabulous timeshare (thank you Jan & John!). While there was indeed many things hokey and cheesy in Branson, we were surprised at the natural beauty of the place as well. It really was incredibly beautiful and we really enjoyed driving (once we got off the strip) and admiring nature.

We chose to spend 2 days at Silver Dollar City, and one at Whitewater (of which there are no photos, be thankful). Our first day at "Silver Dollar Silly", as Adrienne christened it, had us in coordinating tie dye shirts that were completed the day before we left. I think they turned out pretty darn good actually!


Starting out tame on the elephant ride



Donna does not like rides that spin around, so I am the designated ride companion for the kids.

The 'kiddie coaster'. What could go wrong?

The mistake that would become ALL roller coaster experiences. This photo was taken immediately prior to the crying and screaming from Adrienne.

Okay, we'll try the flying boats...Whoops again!

This is about Adrienne's speed

Guess who is not wowed by the 'tame' rides?

This was a success, the train ride where we got to sit for a bit and chill.



Once they started getting tired, we put them in the stocks!



An indoor air conditioned Veggie Tales show to the rescue. Adrienne fell in love with Bob and Larry all over again.

Donna grabbed a moment to sit and rest her feet (genius! foot massagers!)

Indoor pavillion designed to sell products like play foam, but it was a welcome place to cool off and to see the kids playing together (and not fighting). YAY!

After we came back from the park, someone who was not tired had a bit of a rest on the couch. Can you tell how non-tired he was?

After a long day, what better way to relax than ice cream al fresco on the deck at sunset?

Donna had high hopes for taking the kids fishing. We got poles and a new tackle box. There was excitement in the air...until we arrived and actually began to 'fish'.

Adrienne checks out the pole

Both kids looking at where the fish may potentially come from. Oh, one thing...fish enjoy QUIET. There was no fish enjoyment going on here.


Adrienne gave up fast and went to pluck dandelions and explore.

Evan realized swinging would be more fun.

No fish were harmed during the making of this vacation production. Fish, however, tortured Donna by swimming past her during a side fishing trip (sans children). Not only did they swim past her, flashing their rainbow colors, but they took great delight in actually smacking her with their tails. Cruel and unusual punishment, trout. Cruel indeed.


Second trip to Silver Dollar City didn't go as smoothly. Adrienne made a friend (who is five) to ride the rides with. I think she would have been happy if we let her hang out with this nice girl all day.

Sadly these are the only photos from the day that feature children who are remotely chipper.

Day 2 at Silver Dollar City left the kiddos wiped out.

We had planned a trip to the timeshare condo pool. While I was busy getting my swim suit on and helping Adrienne with hers, this is what happened to the boy.

He crawled under the covers and conked out WITH the goggles on his forehead. Awww!


Beautiful sunsets from the deck.

All in all, I would call this trip a success!

Ahh, here we are

I have had a lack of time and photos to post, but here are some recent favorites!


Church carnival ride (this little boy she met in line and he is SO CUTE!)






Clearly this ride is not just for little kids!


Goofy girl in the laundry basket with plush moose

Divalicious!

Swings at the carnival


Look at how coy he is being!

Evan's 6th Birthday

How in the world did he get to be SIX? Seems like just yesterday he was learning how to walk. Time flies far too quickly!

We had his family party at our house this past Saturday and had the special addition of Donna's mom and her fiance (Barbara and Jim), which was an extra treat! Evan got a 2 wheel scooter and is already zipping around on it like he's had one forever. Luckily he's good about wearing his helmet as he's already taken a few tumbles. I think the highlight of the party for him (aside from presents, what kid wouldn't say that's the best?) was playing dress up with his sister and godsister (Ashlynn). Here's some of the party in pictures, including the awesome future blackmail photos of the 6 year old.

Yummy ice cream cake!

First time on the new 2 wheel scooter

Zipping down the driveway

Adrienne gets the 3 wheeler, though she's not enamored of spider man

Learning to ride

Evan coaches Adrienne


Let the dress up begin!



Fairy princess girls


Evan has to get in on the action too

Ashlynn does not know what to make of Evan!

Three fairy princesses?

Goofy fairy boy

Best. Blackmail. Photo. EVER!

Tae Kwon Do (the way of the hand and foot)

Last night Evan took his first Tae Kwon Do class and he did so well! He was the second kid there, so he was able to get a uniform that fit him (always good) and meet a new friend. The instructor, "Miss Pat", was awesome. The kids say "yes ma'am" in all their responses, wow do I love that! :)

Serious about his new class.


There's the real Evan!


Evan makes a new friend...DEVIN!


Handsome!

Learning how to tie their belts.

Notice the poor kiddos who arrived late when there were no more uniforms their size! :(

Reading a booklet on the importance of a positive attitude!


Preparing to use horse stance and ox jaw strike

Follow through!





He is very excited about class and about earning a yellow star for his lapel, which he earns when he ties his belt correctly by himself. Maybe next week?

The Ladies' Man

Donna took Evan to the Billiken Basketball game on Valentine's day (romantic, eh?). It was a national day for women's basketball teams nationwide to honor those affected by breast cancer. The team wore pink and pink carnations were handed out to game attendees.

Evan was excited to get his, and was going to give it to Donna...until...he saw HER. He wanted to give his carnation to another woman. A peppy woman. A cute little brunette. She's the cheerleader next to the coach in the back row on the right. 

Our son. The ladies' man.  Boy are we in trouble!

The Saint Louis University Spirit Team

I'm a bad mommy! No updates since WHEN?

Okay, I admit it, I've been busy...but that doesn't excuse the lack of posting photos since October! I'll post a few favorites with some descriptions, and I shall work to get back into the swing of posting more regularly. This should hopefully make Donna's colleagues (you KNOW who you are!) happy. :)

Snow Days 2009.

Tracey and kids on sled.



Snowball fight, anyone?


Donna takes a turn.


Snowboard boy digging his ride.


Taking a turn on the snowboard.


Isn't she cute?


First (real) snow of the winter!

Adrienne turns three

Because I am picture crazy, I took Adrienne to get photos done this weekend and ended up buying way too many. Here are a few I liked from the session. She was a giant ham!