Thanksgiving trip

I'm so thankful this year for Greg's new position at work. For the first time in 19 years we are able to take time off and travel for holidays. So we decided to go see our dear friends in Nixa, MO.

But since we drive right through Oklahoma City, we stopped on the way to visit my second cousin (her mom and my dad are first cousins). She made a delicious meal for us. The kids had fun playing Wii Rock Band and jumping on the trampoline. Then I made her girls sing and play piano for us. They are so talented!

The next day we drove right past Nixa and on to Branson to have lunch with Greg's nephew Nathan and his wife Dana. They told us all about their recent trip to California. Nathan was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. He wouldn't tell us what he won. We have to wait until January 28 when it airs.

Thanksgiving was great! We have been friends with this family for over 15 years and actually knew Jack before he met Lori. They moved 4 years ago, but we've managed to see them quite often since then.Lori cooked an amazing dinner and we all had fun playing on their new Wii.

Friday morning Lori, Zachary, and I all got up at 4 AM to do some crazy black Friday shopping. I've never done that before and it was fun.

Friday afternoon we went to see The Miracle of Christmas in Branson. Nathan & Dana are both actors in the show.

After the show we had dinner at Branson Landing. Then Jack (thank you so much!) took the younger ones home and the rest of us went the The Big Dill, a comedy improv show that Nathan is in. So much fun!

Saturday, we went to Silver Dollar City - love that place! I'll spare you all the silly pictures except this one. Lori and I are convinced this is the real Santa!


We drove home Sunday (14 hours!) and did laundry yesterday. Back to school today!

Whew! Now I have a week until my in-laws arrive for their 3-week visit. I've got too much to do!