Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Back to Branson

Several years ago, my mom organized a trip to Branson for the extended family to celebrate a milestone birthday. We had so much fun that we did it again this summer. Last time, things were still a little "Covid-y," so we stayed in separate condos, but this time, we shared a giant vacation home, which did not disappoint. Complete with a game room, a hot tub, and a bunk room that slept up to 12 (kids), we didn't even need to leave...although we did and had a great long weekend to kick off the summer.

Less than a week after school was out, we packed up and made the trek to Branson. We wisely took a less windy route and so avoided the car sickness that plagued our last trip. The extra few minutes of driving were definitely worth it. We arrived late in the afternoon on a Thursday and spent the evening getting acquainted with the house. The Pop-a-Shot game was a big hit. 

Sunset from our deck

On our first full day in Branson, we had a leisurely morning and then headed over to the communal pool. It was actually a little cool for swimming, but that didn't stop the kids (and Jon) from splashing around. Elsa was reminded of the importance of re-applying sunscreen with a bit of a sunburn, but that didn't stop any of the kids from having a blast with their cousins.

The big event of the day, however, were our tickets to Dolly Parton's Stampede, which is a dinner show featuring some very impressive horsemanship. I was initially hesitant due to the steep ticket price, but I have to say it was totally worth it. Our kids in particular--especially Lena, who has a cosmic connection with her birthday twin Dolly--absolutely loved both the show and the food. 

We followed the recommendations to arrive early for the pre-show entertainment. We were able to see the horses in their pens as we walked into the building and then we were treated to a bluegrass trio.

Checking out the horses before the show

After that performance, we were herded into the arena (pun intended). There was a barn aroma for sure, but actually it wasn't too bad, which was good because we were about to eat a multi-course meal. Our seats were in the front row on the far end of the U-shaped viewing area, which meant that we were up close to the action but also had a unique view of where the performers and horses entered and exited the arena. 

With two shows a day, the whole thing is a well-oiled machine with our server quickly moving through drink and dessert orders. Once everyone was settled, the show began with a herd of bison and only got more impressive from there. I know nothing about horses, but I was super-impressed with the riders and their tricks, like riding two horses at once and jumping through a flaming hoop. There was even an aerial performer!




All the while, we were being treated to a homestyle dinner of Cornish game hens, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. I think our suburban cousins were less impressed with the lack of silverware, but our feral children love "chicken on the bone" and went to town. The food actually was pretty good considering the scale of how much they had to prepare.

Yum!

One thing about the whole experience that really stood out to me was that Dolly Parton's picture was not plastered all over everything. There was one tasteful photo in the arena and some of her songs were used in the show (which really got Lena excited), but it gave me the impression that Dolly just wants everyone to enjoy the experience whether she gets all the credit or not. Even in the gift shop there was very little Dolly memorabilia...although we definitely walked out of there with some special souvenirs.

We closed out the day with more cousin sleepover fun including "spa night" complete with facemasks and cucumber slices. Even Erik participated, although he balked at the face mask and just wanted to hang out with the cousin crew.

Cousin Spa Night!

The last time we met in Branson, we went to Silver Dollar City, which was an activity we all wanted to repeat. Navigating an amusement park with a mixed age group can be challenging, but it is also a very fluid process to ensure that the thrill seekers get to ride the big roller coasters, the littles get to spend time in the kids area, and Grandma gets to ride the train. Everyone left satisfied, however, and fortunately the day was not too hot. (Although the water ride where I was sprayed in the face by an ornery onlooker--egged on by my brothers--ensured I would not get overheated.)

After a full day in the park, we picked up dinner and had an impromptu birthday celebration for my mom since it was again birthday time for her. The big girls went back to the pool, and the littles hit the hot tub one last time before turning in for the night. Jon, my brother, and I may also have taken advantage of the hot tub one last time as well.

Great coffeetime view

Although we did so many fun things, one of my favorite parts of the weekend was drinking coffee with the "grown-ups" on the deck on Sunday morning. I really cherish time with my family and was so glad we got to travel together. It's hard not living close to them, but I think that makes me more grateful for the time we do get to spend with one another. 

Monday, July 21, 2025

Elsa is TWELVE!

Elsa has begun her final tween year before becoming a full-fledged teenager, and her tween game is strong. I blame middle school. Just when we think we have something figured out, it changes, which is pretty indicative of this stage of life.

Really, though, the transition to middle school has gone as well as expected. Lots of big changes to be sure, but Elsa has weathered them all. Fortunately, there are plenty of familiar faces at school plus plenty of new friends. Social interactions can be challenging, but Elsa has managed to maintain her relationships as she navigates this whole new world. 

She has also maintained her stellar performance in the classroom, despite increased responsibilities and workload. The time management piece may need a little more work, but we'll get there...eventually (which is kind of our unofficial theme for getting out of the house!). Elsa continues to pursue ballet--her higher level this year involved an additional performance which was exciting--and basketball. I was fortunate enough to be one of the coaches this year, and I was so proud to have a front row seat to watch the scrappiest player on the court.

Elsa has transitioned from the recorder in the elementary school ensemble to the flute in the middle school band, which she plans to continue into 7th grade. Another new activity for Elsa this year has been soccer. Recruited after basketball season, Elsa joined a team that contained several friends and teammates. We're proud of her for trying something new, and I think she had a lot of fun in the process.

In fact, her birthday celebration this year revolved around the soccer schedule. All three kids played soccer this spring, which was great...except when conflicting game times caused some logistical acrobats. Elsa's birthday was a prime example. We were able to do all the traditional morning birthday things, like a special breakfast, family gifts, and a call from Grandma. But then it was game time. 

We all went to Erik's game for a bit before the girls and I went to a different field for Elsa's game. I dropped them off and headed back to the first field to pick up the boys after Erik's game ended. We dashed back to see Elsa's game--which had already started--but at least we had a break before Lena's game, which was thankfully at the same field.

#4 on the field but #1 in our hearts

Due to all of these moving pieces, we decided to have Elsa's "party" at the soccer field. We brought treats for after the game, and a couple of Elsa's non-soccer playing friends met us there to cheer the birthday girl on. One of these friends then accompanied us to lunch after Lena's game for, you guessed it, duck at our favorite Chinese restaurant.

Once everyone got cleaned up, it was time for the customary sheep photoshoot and presents. Elsa's latest book obsession is the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer and so was thrilled that several gifts reflected that. Since we'd had a big mid-day meal, dinner consisted of popcorn during the birthday girl's movie of choice--The Parent Trap--followed by cake and ice cream. 

The Birthday Queen with her sheep

A different sort of day, but since one of the biggest things we've learned this year has been adapting to change, it was just the right way to celebrate birthday #12.

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