Fun at Big Cedar!

This past week we had the great privilege of visting Big Cedar Lodge outside of Branson, MO with Stephen's cousin Elise, her husband Phil, their boys Jay and Will, and his Aunt Emily and Uncle Bill. Many thanks to Phil and Elise for having us as your guests in your timeshare---it was a wonderful family trip that we will always remember. Thanks also to Emily and Bill for being great condo-mates and babysitters for Davis so we had the freedom to go out and do activities with Eliza. I had never heard of Big Cedar before, but I can highly recommend it as a fantastic family destination that has all kinds of activities for all ages, besides being in a gorgeous mountain and lake setting. We swam, went tubing on the lake (a first for me), played putt-putt, paddleboats, rode ponies, took a guided garden tour (the landscaping is beautiful!) and lots of other fun stuff all on the property. And we had such a great time cooking and eating dinner together at night, relaxing and playing dominos (I'm hooked!). Here are a few pictures from the trip:

A view from the Lazy River---beautiful!

Our little cowgirl and Big D at the kiddie pool

We took wagon ride and then roasted marshmallows with a singing cowboy.


Paddle-boating was not as successful and Stephen had hoped. Her face pretty much says it all---Eliza's legs were not long enough to reach the peddles, which frustrated Little Miss Independent greatly. Evidently she fussed loudly pretty much the whole time, which provided a laugh for everyone they passed on the lake.

Stephen and Will tubing. That was a lot of fun!

The kiddos. Eliza is completely fascinated by Will and Jay, although she won't speak to them. She just stares and keeps her distance.