Branson

We spent last week in Branson, Missouri with Ben's parents. It took about 9 hours to get down there, but the kids did AMAZING! They played games, sang, chatted, watched a couple shows, took little naps, ate way too many snacks, and got to see their first big hills - the Ozarks! 

Ben's parents rented a very nice condo, so we had plenty of space to spread out! We ate most of our meals there, hung out on the porch, and spent a lot of time at the pool. The girls even got to share a bed - and they did really well in it! Charlotte has been asking if she could sleep with Natalie practically since the day she came home from the hospital.

monkeys jumping on the bed

ready to swim!

Charlotte loved to draw out on the porch

sweet babies 

Our first full day there, we went for a ride on the Ducks. If you're unfamiliar, they're tour vehicles originally designed for military use that drive on land and float in water. Charlotte even got a turn driving the boat while we were out on Table Rock Lake! 

 We also went to Branson's Wild World - don't you dare call this place a zoo! :) The kids got to see all kinds of snakes, lizards, fish, spiders, a kangaroo, lynx, dingo, wolves, porcupine, sharks, and eels. They also got to help me feed a stingray and a giant sea turtle!

these little fish would nibble right on your fingers

watching a lynx

Grandpa fetching a shark for Charlotte to pet

Giant tortoise 

Feeding the giant sea turtle

feeding the stingray

howling like a wolf

 Wild World also had a 9-hole black light mini golf course. Natalie was more interested in petting and hugging the animals than she was in playing golf. :)

They move around a lot in their sleep!

 We played more mini golf at Grand Country and spent a little time in the Fun Spot, too. It was very hot last week, so we found a lot to do indoors.

Charlotte did very well playing mini golf!

On our last day, Natalie woke up very early - about 5 am. She fussed her way through breakfast, and was out like a light in the car by 10:00. She napped while we loaded up the cars and even during some souvenir shopping. Charlotte got a giant lollypop to keep her company on the long ride home. 

 Before we left Branson, we took one more trip up the strip and told Charlotte she could pick one last thing to do. She spotted a little amusement park with kiddie rides and go karts, so we stopped there. They both loved it! We rode tea cups, a little train, a couple other little rides, and Charlotte got to ride go karts with Ben and me! Natalie was too short, so she'll have to wait until next time. She had fun cheering us on, though, shouting "Go daddy, go! Go Yayee, Go! Go Mimi, Go!" as we looped around the track. Charlotte had so much fun! While I waited in line with her, she grabbed my hand and said, "I just know you're going to love this, Mommy!" and then as I got to the top of the first hill, she turned and shouted, "You're doing it, Mommy!!!" What a sweetheart!

We can't thank Grandma Val and Grandpa Jim enough! It was so nice to get away for a few days, relax, and spend some real quality time with them and the kids. We're all dreaming about next time already!