We were able to visit with Chris' brother Brad, his wife Natalie and their two cute kids this last week. Friday night we met them in Branson, MO and we went to the Dixie Stampede together.
The kids had so much fun watching this show. It's always a blast and the food is so good!
Here is a copy of the picture we got before the show started
Here are the kids all watching the pre-show.
And then here are the boys getting ready to watch the Dixie Stampede.
We were seated right in front of the old southern mansion and had a great view of the show.
Some after show pictures. These two cuties became quite close.
One of the older cousins outside by the horse stalls.
Friday night we stayed at "The Carriage House Inn" and we took the kids to the pool after the Dixie Stampede. They had so much fun together and we spent about an hour swimming before going back to our rooms (which were adjoining)
Little buddies
These two were joined at the hip...
The next morning we ate breakfast and then drove over to Silver Dollar City. We have season passes and we had buddy passes for the cousins to use.
It was a very full day of fun!
Tucker spent most of his time in the stroller but he was such a champ.
He did take a little nap in the afternoon. Such a good boy!
We got to explore the new section of the park too and we met "Lucky the fire dog"
Tanner was so excited that they rebuilt the ball pit area. It's even better now and so much fun!
The kids decided they need to cool off so we played in the sprinklers for a bit.
Then we went and rode the train around the park. All the kids insisted on sitting together. I love what buddies they all are!
After that we spent some time at "Half- Dollar Holler" area and rode the carousel and played in the rope treehouse.
These crazy boys had so much fun together!
Why hello there easiest baby in the world!
We had so much fun that Bailey actually fell asleep on her Daddy's shoulders as we walked back to our car. Lol. She didn't get a nap and she was beyond tired. We took Maureen home in our car while Tanner rode home with cousin Paul. Maureen and Bailey both slept the entire drive home.
The next day was Easter Sunday and it was so nice!
Monday we played around the house and took early naps. After naps we went to "Chuck-E-Cheese".
The kids all had so much fun.
Bailey mostly just wanted to play in the playground area. She gave most of her tokens to Tanner so he could play more games.
Tucker enjoyed his first visit to Chuck-E-Cheese too.
Bailey did enjoy the carousel. She loves riding carousels.
Tanner and Dad played game after game. He had so much fun! He got about 80 tickets.
Every now and then the kids would do a game together. This one was a favorite. It simulated a roller coaster. So fun!
After Chuck-E-Cheese we went over to Downtown Bentonville Square.
I love this picture of the kids playing in the fountain together.
Aren't they adorable? They just love each other!
And of course we had to grab some ice cream and the Wal-Mart ice cream shop.
Tuesday was our last day together and we made the most of it. Natalie and I took the girls for a "princess day". They got to pick out their favorite princess dress to wear.
They loved the way they looked. Such girlie-girls!
Then we took them to the salon to get their nails done. They each got to pick out the polish color they wanted. Of course they each picked our a different obnoxious shade of pink.
Here they are getting their nails done. They sat so still and did great.
Sitting under the warmer waiting for their nails to finish drying.
The finished product. They loved their nails.
The nail salon was at the mall, so after nails we did a little shopping. Aren't these girls adorable walking around in their dresses. They got so much attention for the different store clerks. It was really funny.
We had to grab some cookies. Yum!
Then it was off for some more shopping before grabbing lunch and going home for naps.
After naps we drove out to the lake to play and grill some dinner.
They had so much fun playing on the playground while the big boys were off exploring together!
Here are the cousins in front of the lake. Of course, once the kids spotted the water they really wanted to play in it. So then we walked down to the shore and played.
Tucker only had eyes for the water. He kept crawling in the sand, fearless, toward the water. He loved it, even though it was freezing still.
The big kids playing on the shore.
Then it was time to eat. The dads grilled burgers and hot dogs. It was so yummy.
And you can't have a barbecue without watermelon.
Of course, after playing in the water the kids were cold, so they all snuggled under the blanket while we cleaned up.
Quick family picture before heading home.
When we got home, the kids all took baths and got ready for bed. They were all so tired that they went straight to sleep. Meanwhile, the adults watched a movie.
The next morning Brad and Natalie packed up to go home. It was so sad to see them leave, but we are so grateful they made the effort to come see us.
The cousins had SO MUCH fun together. We can't wait to see them again! Hopefully we can go to Oregon soon and see all of Chris' family.
