Our Little Pumpkin

This is everyones favorite picture of John from vacation.

Isn't he cute!!!

Monday, September 21st

Family Vacation

Branson, Missouri

Day Two

Bethany and John

In the morning, most of us went down to the lake behind our resort and went paddle boating and kayaking. 

In the afternoon we went tubing on Table Rock Lake for 4 hr.

Our new driver ;-)

The boat finally put John to sleep. It didn't last real long though as it was pretty windy and the ride was rough.

Trying to get the younger kids into the water.

We took a little break from tubing and went into a cove, where the water was a little warmer, to do some swimming.

Ashley and Emily didn't want to go tubing by themselves, so Bethany rode with them.

On our way back to the resort we noticed the pool with the slide was empty, so we took opportunity to swim. That didn't last long though as a storm quickly moved in (notice the dark sky) and we all had to make a mad dash to the room.

Sunday, September 20th

Family Vacation

Branson, Missouri

Day One

Leaving bright and early!!! The plan was to leave by 4am but some mechanical problems delayed us for about 30 minutes. John was so excited about the trip that he wasn't able to go back to sleep right away :(

We arrived at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri at 10:30am; everyone was ready to hit the rides!  

Loaded and ready to go!!!

Thunderation

The Ladybugs!! 

This was the only ride that John could handle with a smile!

As you can tell he did NOT enjoy the "Happy Frogs"!!!

Kara, Emily, and Ashley on "The Flooded Mine".

Bethany, Kara, and Ryan on "WildFire". This ride goes upside down 5 times; not for those with weak stomachs!

Trevor, Ryan, Mark, Bethany, and Kara on the "Giant Swing"! Another ride for those with strong stomachs!

John did like this ride; the trolly out to the parking lot.

Silver Dollar City was extra busy on this day, and John was needing a nap; so we called the resort, and they allowed us to check in early.  Mom, Ashley, Emily, and John all stayed back after lunch while the rest of us went back to SDC.

After John's nap they headed down to the lake and went wading. 

John loved the water, and the swimming pool was empty; so they enjoyed some pool time.

Mom and Dad bought John some new toys just for vacation, but some of the others were equally as excited.

Finally, John gets his toys to himself. :)

We're Home!!

We just returned from our family vacation to Branson, MO.  It was a very enjoyable week, but we're so glad to be home!!  We are now in the process of unpacking and are looking forward to a good night's rest!  In the meantime here is a VERY SMALL glimpse of the week....more pictures forth coming.  We came home with 565 pictures and a couple of hrs. of movies!  Don't worry; we won't make you see them all. :-) 

Tubing on Table Rock Lake.

The Barn Swing at Silver Dollar City.

Hiking

Wading

On Tuesday, the pond overflowed so some of the kids thought they just had to go wading. 

The island was totally under water.

Workshop Progress

The outside of the workshop is now complete. :)

    

Dad

"one of honor" :: "messenger of peace" 

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6

Happy Birthday Dad!

Extracting Honey

Today, Trevor extracted honey from one of his hives. He only got a little over a gallon:(  The bees didn't do too well this year so he didn't get a lot of honey.

Justin

"the just" :: "excellent virtue" 

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, 

O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Psalm 138:8

Happy 25th Birthday Justin!