What happens in Branson .......

Well as you know it has been a tough year around here. To be specific it has been an extremely tough six months.


We have had a few major medical traumas that have left us on our knees grateful that our family is still all together on this earth. That's not even where it ends. In October we lost a cherished Cousin, and Nephew (Hunter Monson Glade) who had a contagious smile and knack for quiet funny comments that will forever be missed. Through this tragic six months of ours we also lost our beloved family pet. She was precious to the memories of our family growing and adventuring. Not to mention "Regular Life" you know how that can get in the way with you dealing with "real problems"

So it was December 21st. We had retrieved Tori (the only one not living at home) from the air port and had devoured the families favorite meal. (Beef stroganoph , on egg noodles, steamed broccoli, and chocolate pie) when from the front door we heard a "ding dong"
It was Paige that ran to see who it was.

It wasn't a who? it was a what....
a large envelope was on our door and in it contained a very special letter from the North Pole.

It was the elves. See we do not have one of those newer popular "elves on the shelf" but for years now each of our kids have known that there is an elf specifically assigned to watch over them and report back to Santa. The elves will bring a special gift for the kids on Christmas if they have not had to report badly to Santa.
Also there is an Elf who brings us a gift each year for decorating so nicely without bugging the "Bah- Hum- bug" Dad to help decorate. (I wonder what that's all about?)

So it seemed this year they all got together and recognized our tough times and brought us a 2 day, pre-Christmas vacation. "Pack your bags - you leave tomorrow!"



It was a Country Western Resort in Branson MO- what else did you expect from Missouri?

We had a great time eating out, enjoying a road trip, laughing and basically enjoying our family.

 There was an indoor water park tree house to include water slides and a lazy river also 2 giant hot tubs!

We ate at a country buffet and saw the country western Jamboree - We had not seen a "Jamboree" before so that was an adventure!

Black Light mini golf was fun for all- except Mom kept getting mad at Dad for cheating (he stuck a whole handful of balls in his pocket before we even started!)

A couple of rounds of Lazer Tag - (Tori won both rounds! ) and some fun game time in the arcade!
Man it was good to be a kid again!