Back to School....already!

I can't believe that summer vacation is over. It flew by, and before I knew it, it was time.
Time to stock up on school supplies, time to pick out new school shoes and choose a new outfit for the first day of school. Time to get back in to the routine of early bed times and EARLY wake up alarms.

I can't believe that my children are growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that we were coaching them on things they should know in kindergarten. We were worried about them missing us and crying in school. We worried that they would spill their milk into their lunch tray, and be too afraid to tell the teacher. We were tying their shoes for them, and putting bows in their hair that matched their outfit. We were sharing the excitement of a new experience, pretending that we were so very confident....while wanting so badly to tell them not to go to school..just to stay home with us....forever.....

And now.... My youngest child.... is starting 6th grade. WOW. He is turning into such an amazing young man. He is such an intelligent boy, and has such an amazing , infectious sense of humor. He is quick witted and ready to make you laugh and smile....but is also ALWAYS quick to hug, kiss and snuggle up with me. He is so independent much of the time....but still loves that I tuck him in at bedtime where we always share our thoughts and dreams and extra hugs. I love that. Jake- you make me proud every single day. I love you!


And Emily, 8th grade! Where has the time gone?

I can't believe that my little freckled face girl with the bow in her hair is just so grown up. She is such an incredible young lady. She is so brilliant and creative, she amazes me! Emily has so much passion and commitment to her ideals. Emily is my quiet, sometimes shy, sometimes embarrassed little girl. She loves to talk, share her thoughts and snuggle. She is my "old soul". I love that!
Emily, You make me proud every single day. I love you!

Adventures in Babysitting

Yesterday we got to babysit our favorite little people...Kate and Camden. What fun! Emily and Jake were so excited. We had lots of fun. Cam chased the cat (Jake followed close behind to make sure that he did not catch her), Emily played Barbie horse ranch on the computer with Kate. We played with playdough...(Jake was not allowed to play because the playdough was pink...and pink is for girls.....according to Kate.) We enjoyed dinosaur shaped nuggets and smiley face fries for lunch.

It was a good day. It was a fun day. Emily and Jake liked babysitting....but neither one will be asking for a little brother or sister any time soon..... they realize how much work little people can be!!!

BRANSON BALLKNOCKERS

And this....is the Missouri Balknockers.

In essence it is a GIANT hamster ball that the brave (or the insane) climb into- strap themselves in....and get pushed down a giant hill. Sending the riders...tumbling head over heels down the hill.

Emily was ready to jump in right away. Jake- being a bit more cautious- took some time to get his nerves up.

Emily and Jake rode it two times. The first time they rode it strapped inside. The second time they were not strapped in....and they added 5 gallons of water inside, and plugged up the hole- making it a giant "water slide" inside the ball.

THEY LOVED IT!

I have video I hope to add to the post soon....so check back soon.

Our day began with a visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not. There were lots of odd and unusual things to see inside. Just a few of the many oddities that we saw included:

the world's largest ball of yarn, a huge picture of Mary Poppins (made out of jelly beans), a statue of the world's tallest man and a real shrunken head. It was interesting.

Jake loved it. This was among the top "must see" attractions.

After lunch we went shopping. Our original gaol was school clothes and shoes. That goal did not last long once we stumbled upon this fun hat store. I won't tell you which one I bought to wear for "crazy hat day" at school.....you will just have to wait and see.

The next stop for the day was the Fish Hatchery. We used to come here often when the kids were little. They loved throwing food AT... I mean TO.....the trout. Rowdy and I used to hold the children by the waistband...to ensure they did not fall in...... some things never change.

We finished out the day enjoying dinner with my parents and brother at his favorite Rib Crib.The food was wonderful. Jake especially got into his meal. Note the HUGE pile of napkins in front of his plate.

Another fun, HOT day in Branson. Who knows what we will do tomorrow.....

One way to Beat the Heat...

Don't tell.... but we had Ice cream for Dinner tonight.
We spent the day on Branson's Landing.... mostly window shopping....
no mostly sweating....

None of us could decide on anything that sounded good for dinner....

someone joking suggested Ice Cream....

That is all it took. After all. We are on vacation. Why not?

Mini-Vacation to Branson

Can you say HOT? The temperature outside reads 104. I believe it.

We arrived in Branson yesterday. The trip from St. Louis was enjoyable. I have to admit that I do not miss the days of packing the car full of toys, games, coloring books, movies, snacks, drinks and items used for bribing good behavior. It is great that the kids are pretty easy travelers. Both kids bring books and are pretty happy in the back seat with nothing more than a pillow. Rowdy got an audio book of the last Harry Potter novel...so we plugged in it...and listened to it all the way.

We stopped for lunch at Lambert's (Home of the Throwed Roll). We had a great lunch.. and ate way too much. I got hit in the head with a hot roll... Jake really thought that was funny!)

We arrived at our hotel, unpacked and headed to Silver Dollar City.
We though that we would beat the worst part of the day (heat wise). It was over 100 degrees at 8:30pm. Although it was terribly hot.... everyone had a great time.
Emily and Jake are now old enough to ride the rides without us....we like that.
We drop them off at the entrance ....watch them get on the ride.... and we wait patiently to collect them at the exit.

Jake is all about the "wet rides" - he is not fond of things that go upside down or are in extreme darkness. But aside from that...he is game for anything.

Emily is by far the "daredevil" in this family. Emily is up for ANYTHING. She is especially in love with roller coasters. Nothing seems to frighten her. I have no idea from where she gets her courage.

More posts as our Branson Adventures continue....