My Big Boy!

Jackson was so excited to start Kindergarten. He smiled all through pictures but when it came time to walk in the classroom he had to have his Dad.



He sat down at his desk with a buddy from church, Raegan to start coloring. Notice how close he is to the teacher's desk. Somehow they knew that he needed to be there.



After school he was the first one out. He had his hand up because he saw us through the window while getting in line. He was so happy to see us.



And even more excited to be walking home.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school and the first day of Kindergarten for Jackson. Since we live behind the school we walked on the first day. Not really sure where my babies went.



The required front of the school shot that starts all school years.






After school we met some friends up at Baskin Robbins for a little treat!

Happy Anniversary Jennifer!

Jason gave me an anniversary present a day early. We traveled to Kansas City to visit all things Hallmark. We went to the visitors center that had a great stamping activity through the different exhibits for the kids.



The kids got to make a purple bow



Jenna liked the ornament section - as do I.



We ate lunch at the Crayola Cafe



Visited the Crayon Store



The kids loved being creative in Kaleidoscope activity center.




One of the many fountains



We headed across I-35 to enter Kansas - this is the best it gets picture wise.


Jenna kept busy with her new craft.



Best part of all this - everything but lunch was free!

Branson

Since we were in three different condos we had the opportunity to share meals together. The kids loved eating on the covered patio.



One of the things G-Mommy wanted to take the kids to was the Noah's Ark musical. It was a mix of animated and real animals. It was really good.



Jason and I went to the Titanic exhibit and later brought the kids to see the ship.



In the parking area they have these horses made out of sticks. Here's Jenna's favorite.



We did plenty of swimming both in the pool and the tub.





We hit up the Hollywood Wax Museum




Found a couple of things in the Five & Dime store in Old Historic Branson


Then we saw a familiar sign!

Fishing with Granddaddy

Our condos were near the lake. We took a short but rocky walk down to the lake for a family fishing outing.




Reese liked the bait the most



One of the fish that Rylee caught



My sister was more of a fisherman than I was even when we were little



My favorite shot of the day

Branson - Riding the Ducks

On Monday we headed into town to ride the ducks. It is one of Granddaddy's favorite! They had an area to entertain the kiddos while you wait for your boat.



Our flock



Our boat



See this yellow horns - everyone in our boat had one. Pretty cool on the boat, not so cool in the condo.





Once we got to Table Rock Lake we roll down this ramp straight into the lake. Our boat went old school and headed in Dukes of Hazzard style. Once we were on the lake the kids on the boat get to drive the boat. The best was memory is my 4 year old niece Reese started flirting with Captain Who during her time at the wheel.




This old fashion paddleboat tours the lake



Afterwards the kids got their certificates signed by Captain Who. Can you see Reese flirting? Is 20 too old for a 4 year old?

Branson or Bust....

On August 1st bright and early we started our adventure to Branson, Missouri. We had three cars, 6 adults, 4 children and many things to keep them busy for the 8 hour drive. A White Family tradition on any road trip vacation is stop and take pictures at each state line as long as it is safe to stop.

Oklahoma allowed for first potty break of the trip



Arkansas was lunch time and we were all a little tired of being in a car but the kids smiled anyway




Missouri was on a bridge so we didn't stop but we hit Missouri around 3 pm. After unloading the cars, a trip to the grocery store and take out we were ready to start our vacation.