Branson and Big Cedar Lodge Trip

Boy, was it ever cold this morning - 16 degrees on our porch!! It is definitely getting time to head South. But two days before it was like 65, but of course it doesn't stay warm.

Last Monday, Jack and I went to Branson to meet our friends, the Likins, at the Big Cedar Lodge. This is located just outside of Branson and it is a beautiful place. For the ones you might not know, it is owned by the guy that owns Pro Bass so it is decorated all in the outdoors decor.

The plan was to meet up with them for a late lunch at Lambert's (a yummy place where they throw the rolls) around 2:00 p.m. Would you believe when I called Jeannene to see where they were we were within a mile of each other on the highway to Lamberts. So that worked like a charm. We had a nice lunch and then headed on down to the Lodge.

Here are a few shots from inside the condo:

How about that fish. This was the bench back for the table:

Got all checked in and were very pleased with our accommodations. It was really nice and roomy. The only thing Jeannene wasn't sure she would be able to sleep with the deer looking down on her!! We visited and then fixed the dinner and then we played dominoes until bedtime.

The next day we just stayed around the Lodge area (which covers a lot of acres and looked at things).

LaVon this tree picture is for you. Do you know what kind it is? It has orange balls on it.

After lunch we went into Branson and picked up some music show tickets and did some shopping at the outlet. Then we had dinner at the Hard Luck Diner. (LaVon I thought of you when we went there - sorry Jack didn't take the camera).


Went to the Jim Stafford Show - which I wouldn't recommend. It was all right but it was just too much Jim Stafford and not enough music and singing for me.


Then on Wednesday, we got up and went out to Silver Dollar City for their Ole Time Christmas. If you haven't been to see all their lights it is definitely a trip to make. They have millions and millions of lights on everything. We really lucked out as the weather was at least 70 and sunny so we really enjoyed the day and night. They had some really nice Christmas shows and it wasn't too crowded. Had a great time!! Jack didn't take the camera - that is one thing about his new "big" camera he doesn't like to take it everywhere.

Then on Thursday, we went to breakfast and then we split up as we both had places we wanted to shop and then we were going to head home. I got some Christmas presents bought at the Landing. We got back to Kansas City around 5:00 p.m.

We picked up Brandy from our sitter's house and boy was she glad to see us.

Now I need to serious about getting Thanksgiving's menu established and assign the dishes to everyone. We usually have around 17 - 18 at our house. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!

November 14, 2008

Here we are in the middle of November. Where does the time go? Just six more weeks and we will be heading South to Florida. We are getting excited just thinking about it. It will be another adventure for us as we have not spend the winter in Florida before. We are looking forward to the new adventures it will bring. One couple we met in Arizona last year left for Florida last week. Looking forward to seeing some of the couples we met last year when we get there.

Things have been pretty quiet around here the last couple weeks. Nothing too exciting just doing our routine things.

Last Friday, we had the two little grandsons for the day. That was a fun day. They are so cute and fun. Then Emma called and wanted to know if she could come spend the night with us so that made a full day and night. But we enjoy all of them.

Jack went back to his foot doctor this last Wednesday for a follow-up. The doctor told him he was doing fine and he should keep doing what he has been doing. Jack is back go walking his mile and a half each morning. He still has some swelling with it but the doctor said that was to be expected. He said it could take up to 6-months to not have the swelling and some pain. But he did tell Jack no jogging!! LOL Jack never jogged in his life!!

Yesterday I went to the dentist to start the prep-work done for a crown. I tell you that was not fun. I was in the chair for over an hour with my mouth open wide. Man am I glad that is done!! Go back in a couple weeks to get the permanent one put on. Oh well, just another thing to happen as we enter our "golden years"!!

Next week Jack and I are going back to Branson, MO., to see all the Christmas lights. Silver Dollar City is one beautiful place at Christmas. They advertise that they have over a million lights and I believe it. We are going to meet our friends, Jeannene and Warren Likins, there. Sure hope the weather cooperates for us.

Nico's Baptism and Activities

Can't believe it has been so long since I have gotten on the blog and wrote, but it just seems I don't take the time to get things down in writing.

The weather here in the Midwest has just been beautiful. It has been dry and sunny for the last week or so. It is in the 70s in the day and gets down to around mid-50s at night. We can't ask for a better fall than we have had so far. We have had one hard freeze but it only lasted a night or so. Hopefully this weather will hold out for couple more months and then we will be heading South!!

Jack went out one day last week to look for some pictures of the fall leaves. Here are a few of them.

Let's see what we have been up to lately. Jack went to the dermatologist to have her check out a couple new spots on him. She thought they weren't too bad but to be on the safe side she froze them off. That is good.

On Saturday, October 25, we had our newest grandson's baptism. This was a joyous occasion for our family. Jack took some pictures which I will post below. We had a nice time and afterwards we all went out to eat. Nico did very well and didn't even cry until it was all over and that was just because he was getting hungry.

Here are a couple of pictures of the baptism:

Jack and I had dentist appointments and all went pretty good. I do have to go back and have one tooth checked to see if I might need a new crown. Sure hope I don't.

On Halloween, we went to our oldest son's (Craig) house and his family to celebrate Halloween. This has become a tradition for us. We all fix food - usually chili, soups, cornbread, and deserts and just have a good time. We have a few pictures of the kids (big and little). Here is Craig and Emma:

Here is Bronson as "Elmo":

Here is Grandma and Nico:

Last night, we got together with our good friends (Linda, Frank, Dora & Marlin) and went out to dinner and then played games. This is always a great time and we really enjoy getting together with them. We have been doing this for many, many years so this is definitely good time to have for sure.

Hope everyone gets out to vote on Tuesday (if you haven't already done so). Jack and I did our early voting last week so we won't be one of those standing in the long lines.

Have a good week.