Branson 2014

We had the most absolutely awesome get - a - way about a month ago. We went up to Branson and stayed in a super cute little cabin. We stayed three nights and relaxation and time together was our main goal. I was so amazed at how refreshed I felt when we got back. I felt our family needed that time together. We needed to take out all of the distractions of everyday life and just focus on eachother. It was amazing and much needed.

My parents came down the day after us and stayed in a cabin about a 2 minute walk away. It was great to get to spend some time with them. Even though we live relatively close to them, it was nice to get some time with them that was void of any other distraction or focus other than just being together. 

We came down on Thursday. We got settled in a unpack about 3pm. We then took off exploring. Kate was such a trooper and I wore here in the front carrier. The big kids just took off running and we checked out the area. The hills and scenery are absolutely amazing. We found a big playground about a 5-10 minute walk away and we found some hiking trails to go explore later in the weekend. We came back to the cabin and grilled hot dogs and sat on the back screened in deck. The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast sleeping on a pull out bed (its the little things:).

Friday we got up and enjoyed breakfast burritos on the screened in porch. Josh and I made a pot of coffee and sat on the porch and just chatted while the kids played. It was awesome! We then headed into branson for a ride on the branson scenic railway train. The old fashioned train depot and train were sure cute. The train had about 8 different cars and varied from the ones with the open roof to the dining cars and super comfy cars. There was even a little snack car you could order food from. The kids loved it and especially liked going through the tunnels. The ride was a little long and Logan was losing patience about 45 minutes in. They have a polar express train ride during the holidays so we may return for that. We then came home for a late lunch and more exploring outside. We found a cool little creek and practicing skipping rocks in the water. So fun! The big kids found hiking sticks too:) My parents got in Friday evening and we grilled steaks and had twice baked potatoes. We enjoyed cookie brownies on the porch and had some adult beverages. The kids were wonderful and colored and played the whole night. 

Saturday we got up and had cinammon rolls and coffee on the porch. We then took off for a long hike. Kate was such a trooper and fell asleep in the carrier. Grandpa taught Kins and Logan all about the different trees and plants and we collected a goodie bag of pretty rocks, leaves and acorns to take  back to grandma at the cabin. We all had lunch together and then everyone napped. Absolutely perfect. Saturday night we took the kids fishing and had no luck. But grandpa showed the kids how to cast their poles and reel it in. Kinsey was the star of the show and stayed out there for a couple of hours trying to catch one. I made a dinner earlier in the week and froze it so dinner was super easy saturday night. Another night of food and adult drinks on the porch. Wonderful.

Sunday we all had breakfast and coffee together and then packed up. We were sad to leave but had such a great time enjoying eachother. Josh and I have committed to making this our annual family get a way and I am already excited for next year!!

Enjoy some pics

Impromptu lemonade stand

A few weeks ago Josh and I were sitting out front enjoying some coffee on the most beautiful morning ever! The kids were having a blast playing and it was seriously some good stuff. Dont you just love that? Nothing planned, perfect weather, the stars aligned and the kids were all in good moods at the same time!
We had the brilliant idea to set up a lemonade stand for the kids. We had all of the supplies and there were so many people walking the neighborhood we were sure to get some traffic.
Logan ran around like a crazy man. But he sure was cute doing it!:)
Kinsey took things very seriously. Shy at first but soon came out of her shell and was boldly offering her customers a glass of "sweet lemonade." She learned to make change for 1$. She knew that when some gave her a dollar she gave them back two quarters. Except the poor neighbor that gave her a ten. She was not amused with only 50 cents change. Mom had to step in a help on that one a little:)

In the end they made 10$ and then we took 5$ down to give to our neighbors that are going on a mission trip to Haiti. Kinsey was so excited to ring the doorbell and give them an envelope with the money in it. So precious. I pray that she always has a generous heart. 

What a fun little impromptu Saturday!

                                                         Beginning picture 

                                                  How Logan spent most of the morning:)
                                   

4 months old!

Behind. Constantly behind. Have patience with my while I try to dig out of the hole blog posts. 

Here is Kates 4 month pics. Not gonna lie, the lines have been blurred between accomplishments and milestones between months 4 and 5. So lets just say that she is continuing to grow well. Her little personality is starting to show and she is more and more fun each day. I will update with specifics on her 5 month pic. But as of now I can just document her monthly picture with Stretch the giraffe!!