Vacation Part 2: Big Cedar Lodge

After a few days in Branson, we headed about 20 minutes away to Big Cedar Lodge. This place is stunning!
We hiked, rode horses, ate wonderful food, roasted marshmallows for smore's, and did tons of swimming.

This was really one of the most beautiful places.
Especially for people who love to be outside :)














After a nice little hike we had lunch in this adorable cottage cafe. I could've lived here!









We played some miniature golf. (I whooped them all!)





The next day the boys got to ride horses. Brighton just loves animals, he couldn't leave this one alone haha.











Every evening I enjoyed the walk from the pool, back to the lodge. The glory of God just had me in awe.











I kinda love it at the end of the day when the boys are completely worn out, and we came to this cozy room and ordered room service. They even had a little patio we would just sit out on and enjoy.



But, not every night. The last night they had a bon fire and smore's. Yum.





And lawn games.



And amazing sunsets.



And. Movie night. At the pool.





We sure were sad to leave this place. The boys made lots of new friends that they enjoyed swimming with in the evenings, they hated saying goodbye...but...we actually already set up another trip there very soon. Yay!

Vacation Part 1

Last month we packed up the car and headed to Branson, MO! It was quite a drive, but we have tons of audio books, coloring, and snacks to keep the boys happy.

When I was little, my family went to MO. The thing I remember most was the drive there. My dad is a back roads off the map type of man, and it really was the most gorgeous drive ever. So that's the way we went.

We went through the sweetest town in Arkansas. Eureka Springs. If I didn't have such antsy boys, I would have loved to explore the whole town!







We did get to stop in and see the Thorncrown Chapel. Made of glass! I had been in it when I was a little girl. It sure is a stunning place.











On our way out of town, we stopped at one more place just to take in all the beauty.



And this beauty was amazing to sit and watch!
The Pileated Woodpecker





We spent our days exploring and swimming! It was low key and very fun.
Jaiden sure had his moments though ;)





Brighton is terrified of heights and didn't want to join us climbing this wood tower. Its melted my heart to see Tristin encouraging him to do it. He helped him all the way to the top!







And we found a little friend :)



Be sure to check back for the 2nd part of this trip! It gets more beautiful than you can imagine!

Winter Holiday

A few weeks ago we headed to Angel Fire NM for our annual ski trip.
The boys and Dan just love to ski. I, sadly, do not love it.
I am a water, beach, warm weather girl.
I used to enjoy skiing, but took about a 10 year break from going, and haven't enjoyed it since. Since my boys and husband do, it is something I want to work on.



We took Brighton to ski school, and he did fantastic!



I think he looks adorable on his little skis just zooming past us.



I loved hearing about his day every afternoon, and he was thrilled about the jello with whipped cream and the hot chocolate they served him!



Dan and Tristin stayed out all day. They had so much fun, and I think Tristin really adores having dad all to himself! (I stayed in with Jaiden and found Waldo, read, watched movies, and went swimming.)



He even worked on his own tricks!



We had a fine time. We went before spring break and it was really easy going there.