Best Family Vacation Ever!

Ok, so it was the first and by default the only family vacation that we have ever taken, but it was great! Despite a few bumpy moments in the car, it was pure fun! We did so many things that Branson had to offer and I'm not sure we scratched the surface. We rode the "Ducks", which are old WWII amphibious vehicles. We toured land and then the lake. Little Otis had a blast! Payton was mostly along for the ride, but the open sides were a little much at 50 miles per hour. He did enjoy looking around though. We also rode go carts(Both Big and Little Otis' favorite thing). On the last day, we went to Silver Dollar City, an old timey amusement park. They had lots of rides that Little O could ride alone, which became the motto of the trip, "I can do it by myself". He also rode 2 "big" rides with Otis. He was afraid of nothing! (I think this might be a bad thing.) We were exhausted at the end of each day, and here's a "note to self", 4 people in 1 hotel room for 3 days = claustrophobia. The only downer, my camera batteries failed two separate days so there are not many pictures. But I will make the best of it. Here are a couple.....

On our Way!!

We are officially on our way in the morning at 5:00 am(or so we believe that to be the plan). Branson here we come. With a one year old that hates the car, has never successfully slept with others in the room, and is learning to eat "grown up" food. Sounds like heaven doesn't it? Don't let me forget the four year old that can't sit still, wants to hear the same song over and over, and will have to watch mommy and daddy's tv. But even with all of that, I have been excited about this trip all summer. We went on many family vacations when I was a kid. Or at least me and Dad did. We covered Texas, Mexico, New Mexico, Arkansas and numerous other places. We always had a blast(at least that's my memory of it). I can't wait to share those times with my family. It took so long for me to get here, and the road hasn't always been smooth, but if I ever think about any other life, I just review the past and once again I am grateful for my husband and two great boys. Not to mention parents, sister, in-laws, friends and others that aren't "officially" family members, but really are. Thank you all for being you, and for taking a little time out of your day to keep up with my little clan. I will sign off for now before it gets really mushy.... I am after all emotionally unavailable and all. (Steph M that's for you). Here's a picture of the boys playing....

Happy Birthday to Payton!!

Well, Payton turned big 1 last Friday. On Saturday, we had a party to celebrate with family. I think he had a great time. He still can't tell me, but he has continued to play with all of his new toys all week whenever possible, so I think it was a success. Little Otis didn't really play with things at this age, but Payton can't get enough. Thank you to everyone who came and made it a special day for him. Most of the family was here. Both sets of Grandparents, and assorted aunts and uncle, cousins... Even though he won't be able to remember it, it will be scrapbooked for all eternity... Little Otis did very well. He helped his brother with presents and then did the tradional letting go of the balloons..... We are still working out the car problem, but hope it will be done soon. To all of my friends that I usually see, I miss you and hopefully we will be back in circulation soon.

So it's been a while....

Yes, it has been a while. (Thanks Jeanne for the reminder and the little guilt trip.) I feel like the summer is rushing by and we are now trying to catch up. It did feel a little like Seattle here for the beginning of the summer, rain every day. Now we are enjoying Florida weather, rain every afternoon.... But, my grass is green and I am not having to water it. So there are positives. The kids and I have been doing so many things and with working, we are busy all of the time. We have been enjoying our time though. Splash parks, swimming pools and playing with friends have all been on the agenda in the last couple of weeks. Little Otis is growing so big and beginning to mature some. Payton will be 1 tomorrow. I will post pictures of his big birthday and of the party on Saturday...
If you have been around us for any amount of time, you are familiar with the Geo, or little red car as Little O calls it. Well, it has died. Yes, 220,000 miles later, dead. This has been coming and you would have thought we were more prepared, 220,000 miles and all, but not so much. Now we will have to find another car for Otis to drive to death. Yipee!!! (Sarcasm of course) Oh well, all good things must come to an end. I have had that car for 10 years. It has been very very good to me. We are considering mounting it for a sculpture here in the yard.... Here are some pics of my boys.