Summer Family Vacation 2014

We decided to take a mini vacation to Branson with my parents and had a really great time. We spent 3 days in a row at Silver Dollar City which was a lot of fun, but also super tiring. Aidan and Nora were at such great ages for the park and while it was challenging with a baby, it was still very worth it.

We tried for a family pic, but getting five people to look at the camera at the same time is nearly impossible. This was day 3 at the park, and we were a little weary, but ready for some more fun.

Our first night there, we took a walk down to the lake near where we were staying. Enna was such a trooper during the whole trip. She spent a lot of time in the stroller, but was pretty happy even when she had to nap on the go. She is officially the fist baby I've had that actually napped in the stroller.

These two sillies waiting for a ride. The park was pretty crowded even though we went during the week, so there was a lot of waiting in lines. They did great and were pretty patient.

This girl wanted to ride with her Daddy. She was super brave though and she had a great time on most of the rides.

We love the Lost River ride and Nora was nervous about getting wet (which she didn't get wet at all this first time). 

Aidan was super excited about getting wet and ended up getting most of the water this time.

However, 2nd time we tried the ride, Nora ended up getting more soaked than I had ever seen. It was kinda like we threw her in the water. She was wet from head to toe! She thought it was funny thankfully and we changed her clothes right after.

Before we headed home, we spent the morning at a mini golf place that had a dinosaur theme. These pictures had me laughing. This was the first day it was legitimately hot. We had such nice weather for July and it was such a blessing.

On the drive home, everyone was tired, especially our littlest sweetheart. She slept for at least half the trip which was a blessing. 

Isle of Palms Trip Pt. 1

We were so blessed to be able to spend a few days at Isle of Palms beach a few weeks ago. I know I had mentioned before the gorgeous beach house we were staying in...and it was indeed amazing.

We made the 2 hour drive after church, had a little nap when we arrived, had dinner, and then walked out on the beach as the sun was setting. It was glorious!

Of course we had planned for the kids to only get their feet wet. And, of course, that was absolutely reasonable. :) Our kids were soaked and sandy on the way home, but it was worth it. I will always cherish these moments with them even if they someday won't remember.

Silver Dollar City

My parents wanted to take the kids to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, so we made a little trip down there while visiting them in Kansas. The kids had fun. It was hot and tiring, but we all survived and Nora only had a meltdown after we got in the car our second day there. 

While we were there we got to see a couple shows, one of which was the Nik Wallenda show. If you don't know who he is (because you are a busy stay at home mom who doesn't watch tv or keep up with the news like me) then just google his name. Apparently, he walked a wire across Niagara Falls recently. Pretty crazy stuff. So the show with his family was in SDC and they DID NOT use any sort of harnesses or nets for safety measures. I was so nervous through the whole thing that I could hardly breath properly. It was pretty amazing, but I don't think I'd want to watch again. There was this part where they asked everyone to be as quiet as possible because they needed absolute concentration and Nora started whining for more food (she had already had 2 chocolate chip granola bars). I pulled out a 3rd one and frantically gave it to her because I could just see the beginnings of a tantrum and I did not want to be responsible for anyone's death.

When I look at this picture of our family it is hard to believe how big our kids are.

We had Nora go on this ride because for some reason the height requirement was only 34 inches instead of 36 inches (which all other rides were). Since she is only 34 inches she couldn't ride many rides but she wanted to ride everything. She is the one that loves a good thrill (remember she was the one who loved tubing).

Well, and as you can see, she did not like this one. She was fine until the water splashed her in the face. Her Daddy didn't think to shield her and she got a rude awakening. Otherwise, I think she would have liked it. 

We had a great time being with my family and it was a great memory making time with the kids. I went to SDC a lot growing up so I have a lot of my own family memories there. It is always fun to continue that tradition now that I have my own children.

Kansas Trip: Summer 2012 Pt. 2

After a great time with Seth's family,  we headed over to my parent's house. For some reason, I decided to get my camera out at this point, so this post will be picture heavy.

 Here's a little bit of what we did: 

 Played games with Mimi

 While the men napped (very typical Sunday afternoon)

 Hugged on Papa

 Went to Deanna Rose

 Pumped water (one of Aidan's favorite things to do at DR)

 Caught a fish for the first time!

 Fed the goats some bottles! Nora LOVED this!

Told those goats about "Mama"

 Rode tractors (his legs are finally long enough!)

Hung out with our Spykerman friends and met baby Levi

 Played in the dirt/sand

Actually, this was only within our first couple of days because we took a trip with my fam to Branson and Silver Dollar City. But, more to come on that later because I've got bread that needs to come out of the oven.