Meramec Caverns

On our way home from Branson we also decided that we would stop at Meramec Caverns.  It was really beautiful and interesting, but with a curious, climbing 3 year old, and a tired 6 month old - it wasn't the best memory we created!

The boys waiting to go in

Take a good look at this sweet, happy face...hard to believe that less than five minutes later, he would be leaving his mark on the cave.  Shortly after our guide announced to the group, please no food, drink, or liquids of any kind on the tour; because the wetness can negatively affect the growth of the cave....Brody let about three bottles worth of liquid spill out.  He has never thrown up so much in his life!  I was so embarrassed, but thank God our tour guide had a good sense of humor and announced that the other members of the group watch out for extra calcium deposits!

Stalagtite formations

Landon wore this little light on his head to help him explore the cave.  Ended up more like a necklace, but he thought he was big stuff!

Not supposed to go past these bars, so Landon wanted to do the

next best thing - swing and hang from them.

More cave formations

First College Visit

I figured since the boys are half-way to 1 and 4 it was definitely time to start college visits.  After all, we want them to have options!  Sooo, on our way home from Branson we decided to stop at the highly acclaimed student-ran restaurant at College of the Ozarks.  This is a working university that the students work 15 hours a week in exchange for their tuition.  Sounds like a good trade to me!  The campus was really nice and the food was all prepared from the college - they even process their own meat, grow the veggies, etc.  Josh was in awe of their self-sufficiency.  It was a great meal!

Brody seemed to like what he saw.

           Landon and cousin Toby loved running through the halls....can just imagine them at college in about 15 years!

What the Armadillo?!?

We were excited and surprised to keep running into armadillos near our cabin.  Ariel's boyfriend Dan really wanted to catch one, so Kimmie said she would give him $50 if he did.  Well, after a group hunt around midnight (6 of us driving around in a minivan, we even got some tips from the security guards) - he was stoked to actually catch one!  He went home $50 richer!   What a fun, crazy night!!

Silver Dollar City

We spent a day at Silver Dollar City...Love it SO much more with kiddos.  Landon had such a blast and was tall enough to do a lot of the big kid rides like Fire in the Hole and Lost River (like Thunder River at 6 flags)

Fun House Pics

This was in a gravity room that made getting out of bed EXTREMELY difficult.  Major ab workout!

This is Ariel's boyfriend Dan.  My camera fogged up do to changes in temp., so this cool/creepy pic resulted.

KIDS AREA....that the adults may have enjoyed more!

Tall enough to ride :)

FIRE IN THE HOLE!

He liked the roller coaster, but didn't want to go again!

Landon liked riding Bessie the Cow more than "milking" her.

Silo races...Josh was the winner!

Transportation Branson style

While on our trip to Branson we enjoyed Wild Woody, a great go-cart place, and had a blast renting a pontoon boat and tube on Table Rock Lake.

Papa looks a little nervous to have Landon behind the wheel.

Brother Matt excited to race...nice face bro!

Kimmie enjoying the ride!

Our captain Papa and helper Toby

Enjoying the ride

Brody chillin

Tube Time

Ariel and Max

Neck-ed baby

Tobs and Landon spent lots of time eating!

Not sure if it was motion sickness or a digestive issue, but Brody lost his milk and baby food all over us!  Thank God for a lake to rinse off in!!  Here he is content as can be after all that action.

Branson Trip

The four of us went to Branson, MO, for a mini-vacation with my parents, sister Ariel, boyfriend Dan, nephew Max, brother Matt, wife Kimmie, and nephew Toby.  It was a great trip with a few crazy moments that can be expected with 12 people - 4 of which kids 3 years old and younger.

Our four bedroom cabin was nice and spacious for all the fam. 

Landon referred to our new house as the LOG. 

Swinging on the screened in back porch

Toby and Landon

We had a very busy trip and were able to go the Branson Landing, Silver Dollar City, several new restaurants, swimming, the fish hatchery, and go boating on Table Rock Lake.  I didn't get great quality photos since I was watching/playing with the boys, but I will have more photos in future posts.

Tourist Boy

Landon dressed himself in this outfit before we headed on our family trip to Branson. 
I thought he looked like a little tourist.

Here is how Landon rode for a good part of the car ride. 

Amazingly he was QUIET for over half the ride!!!

A small miracle for this little talkative man!

Bouncy Bash

Our little friend from church Liliana turned 2, so she had a super, bouncing fun party with lots of inflatables. 

  

Landon loved all the running and climbing around!

Brody was drooling over all the action.

The lovely Cochran ladies proudly sported their purple power! 

Not planned, but the three ladies matched beautifully!

The Birthday Gal!

Happy 2nd Birthday Lilie!