Summer Vacay 2014

We headed off to Branson, MO this year for our family vacation.  My Grandpa is turning 90 this year, so we decided that we would meet up with him in Branson for a mini celebration.  We had a three car caravan with my parents, Jake  & family, and us.  It took what seemed like FOREVER to get down there, but we finally made it and the fun began!

We started our Memorial Day festivities with a trip to Lambert's.  We LOVE that place and don't miss the opportunity for some throwed rolls if we are anywhere near one!  My dad had to take this picture of me with 3 massive rolls split open ready for some sorghum...I promise they weren't all mine!

Obviously these days with three ridiculously adorable grandchildren, there are not many pictures of the adults.  This picture first started because my brother and I were taking a picture...then my dad who NEVER gets in pictures randomly jumped in...and then my mom came out of nowhere to photo bomb us, ha!  Love these Runyons!

Our attempt at patriotic

After our early lunch at Lambert's, we headed back to our resort for some pool time.  My parents and grandpa stayed at one resort, and Jake and I stayed at another one.  My parents stayed at the resort with the awesome pool for kiddos, while we stayed at the resort with the poolside bar.  Oh, the irony!  So we spent time at both pools that day and just relaxed at the condo.  That night we headed over to my parents' condo to grill. Perfect end to our first day.

Waiting while Papa was grilling dinner

Our second day we were up bright and early and headed to Silver Dollar City.  I absolutely LOVE Silver Dollar City.  I'm sure it is one of those places that you either love or hate, but it has great sentimental value for me.  This is where we grew up going on family vacations, so it holds a special place in my heart, for sure!

The forecast for our week called for rain every day. We knew we had two days at the park, but we knew the weather would be a factor so we wanted to get as much done as possible the first day in case the second was a wet mess.  The morning started out with sunny skies, so we lathered up our sunscreen.  Unfortunately, Lilly's went in her eye and we spent the better part of the morning trying to get it out.  We were finally told about First Aid (DUH!), so we went and had her eye flushed out and she was given ice cream for being such a big girl!  Luckily, the day turned around for the better from there!

My dad, Megan, and myself rode roller coasters, while my mom, Jovan, and Jake hung out with the kiddos.  Jovan took Lainey on all the rides where you get wet because Mommy doesn't do those...except that we got poured on that day, so it really didn't matter at the end of the day!  We loved just walking around and hanging out.

Twinsies...can't believe he actually wore this shirt in public! :) 

Typical picture with these two

Christmas Card '14???

I have many great memories of Silver Dollar City, but one of my most favorite is getting to "make" my own candle.  I was so excited to get to share this with Lainey on this trip.  She chose her candle, and then she got to choose the colors for dipping.  She loved it!

We had a very successful first day, and I'm pretty sure our little family outlasted Jake's crew and my parents.  We spent that evening swimming, walking around downtown Branson, and hanging out with Baby Hudson while Jake and Megan were on their anniversary date. 

Day 2 at the park was equally successful!  We continued to ride rides and had plenty of time to go see all of the cool little craftsmen doing their thing.  Lainey was also much braver on the second day, so she and I spent a lot more time riding the kid rides.  We had so much fun together, and I loved seeing her come out of her comfort zone and try new things!

Sun's out, guns out preparing to pull ourselves up to the top of a tower

Pulling ourselves to the top

On the way down!  This was HUGE that she lifted her arms.  The day before she didn't even want Papa to take her up halfway, but on this day we went to the very top and she was having a blast!



sweet girl on a froggy ride--This one LOVES rides!  No fear here!  She will be our thrillseeker, for sure!

 We spent our last night there at the pool again, and then Lainey and Jovan would take their nightly walks to the lake.  Don't get me wrong, I would chose Disney over anything any day, but there is definitely something to be said about taking a family vacation that is actually relaxing and carefree!  Loved our time together and can't think of a better way to kick off summer!