Trip to Branson

When me and Craig went to Branson for our Anniversary in June we had such a great time and couldn't wait to bring our kids. So when my family decided to go over Fall Break, we quickly decided to join in on the fun. At the last minute Craig was unable to come (his Grandma's funeral) but my family was gracious enough to let me and my kids hop in their car and tag along anyways. 

 We headed off Wed morning (right after I got home from work) and shortly outside of Branson we stopped to play some frisbee golf (yep, only about 3 1/2 hrs of sleep for me). My mom and sisters entertained the kids at the playgroup they had while me and my dad played the course. It was nice father daughter time. 

And Austin was pretty excited about the long "stick" that he found!!

We stayed at the Suites at Falls Creek and me and the kids had a room adjoining into my parents place which worked out great!! Here they are watching a movie before bed....the kids played nonstop for 3 whole days with no naps for either one of them (and suprisingly they stayed pretty happy).

One of the great things about this place is the wide variety of entertainment available for the guests.

Austin LOVED the miniture golf course and played it everyday that we were there.

And of course, the alligator hole was his FAVORITE!!!

Mikayla liked it too!!

Actually, Mikayla wasn't too interested in playing but more content being the caddy. She would always want to carry everyone's clubs and balls. So Austin usually was the only one playing while Kayla carried around hers and my clubs & balls.

Special fun times with my kids!!!

There was also a playground for the kids to enjoy.

And we loved the swimming pool and hot tub!!

Austin favorite thing to do was jumping into the water all by himself (with his tube).

Mikayla LOVED the hot tub--probably because it was warm and the perfect depth for her. I was actually suprised she liked it because she was absolutely terrified of the whirlpool tub in our bathroom once I turned on the jets. Austin, however, LOVED the jets and I practically had to bribe him out of the tub or else he would have stayed in their all night.

While in Branson, I was able to go to several shows. They were all great--my favorite was probably Spirit of the Dance because I loved all the high energy dancing/clogging....makes me wish I could dance.

 

Before heading back home, we stopped at the Butterfly Palace.

First, we watched a 3-D movie about the life cycle of different bugs...mainly the butterfly and the praying mantis. Austin eyes were glued to the screen the whole time.

 

Then we headed into the rainforest were there were tons of butterflies everywhere to see. It was amazing!!! The butterflies were not scared of us at all but you could walked up as close as you wanted to them and they didn't move....and as you can see they even landed on you. The only rule here--don't touch!!

 This butterfly is the Paper Kite from either SE Asia or Austrailia.

The butterflies are continually imported weekly from oversees--they are beautiful!!

Above is the Common Blue Morpho from Cental/South America.

I have no idea where these butterflies come from but aren't they beautiful? 

 The kids had such a great time!! We could have stayed all day!!

 I love this picture!!! Mikayla's face just makes me laugh out loud!! 

 My mom and dad who made this whole trip possible for us.
THANK YOU!!

 Kayla attempting to find her prince!!

There was also a Mirror Maze inside the Butterfly Palace which was so much fun to go in. And outside was the Coconut Tree Climb. Me and Jessica had a fun time doing it. Austin was sad he wasn't old enough but I promised him next year we would come back and he could do it!!