Branson

This past weekend we took a trip to Branson to celebrate a wedding of one of Chris' cousins daughters. The wedding it self was just an excuse to get out of town for a few days. The wedding was a mid day one on Saturday. So Chris and I chose to leave Thursday night and return Saturday after the wedding giving us some family time while also making the most of the 4 hour drive each way.

We left about 8 pm on Thursday night. On the drive down I was nervous that the kids would get a good nap in and when we hit the hotel a little after midnight they would be wide awake in a new place. I had no need to be worried. We pulled into the parking lot of the hotel at 12:10 and by 12:40 we were laying in bed with the lights off going to sleep.

On Friday after both Chris and I checked in with our work (not planned they needed us). We headed out for the day.

We did the Butterfly Palace which was really cool but Alyssa hated. She doesn't like the butterflies to be anywhere near her. There was also a mirror maze in the dark which she hated as well. The only thing she did like was the reptile room

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After that we went to horse stables that I was told about. Alyssa loved looking at the horses and kept asking to ride one. I told her she was not old enough but that was not an acceptable answer for her. So we found a horse that she could ride and with her helmet in place (even though it was still too big for her head) she went on her first horse ride ever. While looking at pictures you would think she hated it, but after listening to her once we got back in the car she LOVED it.

We then went and rode the DUCK. Which is a big boat/car that drives on land and water. Once on the water she was allowed to drive the boat and she loved that as well.

We then grabbed a quick bite to eat and back to the hotel for naps for both kids.

After the nap we headed down to the pool. This was Colin's first time in the pool and he loved it. We got him to float on his back and go underwater. He was kicking and loved splashing around in the water.(I can't wait until swim lessons start for him).

We then got out to meet the rest of the family for dinner. After dinner Alyssa got to go swimming with all of her cousins.

On Saturday we got up and went to a fish hatchery where Alyssa got to feed trout. She liked that but really liked looking at all the reptiles before hand

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We then went to the wedding where she ohh and awwed over "the princess" and then tore it up on the dance floor for the reception.

At 5 on Saturday night we piled everyone back in the car and headed home. Both kids did great on the way home though Colin did get a little restless.

It was a nice vacation and really enjoyed my time with my family. It was nice to get away even if it was only for 2 days.